•>- 


5*5 


UL   HIST.  Son 


HISTORY 

OF 

McHENRY  COUNTY 

ILLINOIS 

BY 

SPECIAL  AUTHORS  AND  CONTRIBUTORS 


VOLUME  I 


ILLUSTRATED 


CHICAGO 

MUNSELL  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

PtTBI.ISHF.RS 

1922 


In  the  first  century  of  the  Christian  era,  Tacitus  (perhaps  the 
greatest  of  Roman  historians)  wrote  that  the  object  of  history  was 
"to  rescue  virtuous  acts  from  the  oblivion  to  which  the  want  of 
records  would  consign  them." 


OUTLINE  MAP  OF 

McHENRY  COUNTY 

ILLINOIS 


o 


a  o£Z 


('  OOK    CO 


FOREWORD 


One  of  the  conspicuous  evidences  of  modern  progress  is  manifested 

in  the  increased  interest  in  local  and  personal  history.  In  a  general 
sense,  real  history  is  the  record  of  past  events,  while  biography  is  the 
history  of  individual  life.  The  close  relationship  of  these  two  branches 
of  history  is  recognized  by  the  brilliant  essayist  and  historian,  Carlyle, 
in  the  statement  that  "History  is  the  essence  of  innumerable  biog- 
raphies" ami  that,  "in  a  certain  sense,  all  men  are  historians,"  in  the 
fact  that  they  furnish  the  material  facts  which  constitute  true  history. 

In  the  formative  period  of  each  new  community  the  attention  of 
iis  members  is  largely  absorbed  by  the  present — the  necessity  of  securing 
means  for  personal  and  family  support  -the  study  of  natural  resources 
and  planning  for  future  development.  But  as  time  advances  and 
conditions  change,  there  comes  a  change  in  the  popular  mind  and  an 
increased  interest  in  the  past.  That  such  has  been  the  condition  within 
the  last  century  in  McIIeiiry  county,  as  well  as  in  the  Middle  West 
generally,  is  apparent  to  the  general  observer. 

These  evidences  of  change  and  development  are  taken  note  of, 
and  in  the  preparation  of  the  forty  chapters,  it  has  been  the  object  to 
present,  in  compact  form  and  under  appropriate  topical  headings,  the 
main  facts  of  county  history  from  the  earlier  settlements  and  political 
organization  to  tin-  present  time.  Various  topics  and  localities  have 
been  treated  with  reasonable  fulness  under  their  appropriate  chapter 
headings  by  contributors  especially  selected  for  that   purpose.     Of  the 


large  number  of  contributors  to  these  and  other  departments,  it  i- 
nol  necessary  here  to  make  special  mention,  a>  their  names  are  attached 
in  their  respective  contributions  in  the  body  of  the  work.  For  the 
value  "i  the  aid  thus  rendered  thanks  are  hereby  cordially  expressed. 

With  the  feeling  thai  the  work,  as  a  whole,  has  I n  prepared  with 

special  care,  and  with  full  appreciation  of  the  interesl  already  mani- 
fested and  patronage  pledged  by  the  citizens  *>i  McHenry  county  in 
it-  success,  it  is  submitted  to  its  many  patrons  and  the  general  public 
in  the  hope  thai  it  will  prove  of  permanenl  and  personal  value  to  a 
large  class  of  readers. 

THE  PI  BLISHERS. 


INDEX 


CHAPTER  I 
TOPOGRAPHY,  GEOLOGY  AND  NATURAL  FEATURES 

GENERAL    SURFACE      FOX     RIVER— PISTAQUA    LAKE — THE    NIPPEKSIXK—  ill  I. 
KISHU  At  KLL      SMALL     LAKES      CA1  si:     (IF     PRAIRIES — GEOLOGICAL     FEA- 
TURES— STONE   QUARRY — GOOD   ('LAV — GRAVEL   AND   SAND — PEAT    IiEDS- 
RECENT    DRAINAGE 17-22 

CHAPTER  II 
INDIAN  OCCUPATION 

ORIGIN  OF  THE  INDIAN  ILLINOIS  TRIISES — BLACK  HAWK  WAR  -DEATH  AND 
i:i  RIAL  OF  BLACK  HAWK—  INDIAN  IX  Tins  COUNTY — INFLUENCE  OF  THE 
INDIAN—  INDIAN    MOUNDS       INDIAN    OF    TODAY 23  'J<> 

CHAPTER  III 
EARLY  SETTLERS  AND  SETTLEMENTS 

FRONTIERSMEN — PRIMITIVE  CONDITIONS— THE  NEW  HOME — EARLY  ROADS — 
EARLY  MILLS  —  PASTIMES  FIRST  RECORDED  SETTLERS — PREVENTING 
CLAIM  JUMPING — PIONEER  CONDITIONS — OLD  SETTLERS'  ASSOCIATION — 
REUNIONS — PIONEEB     SETTLERS 27-36 

CHAPTER  IV 

LAND  TITLES 

By  George  W.  Lemmers 

ORIGINAL  OWNERS — PECULIAR  INSTANCES — ORIGINAL  DOCUMENTS  EARLY 
D]  EDS    37   13 


CHAPTER  V 

OKCAXIZATIoN  .WD  GOVERNMENT 

By    Will. i  \.M    I  )|  SMOND 

BOUNDABIES      OEIGDS    OF    NAME       ANNEXATION    TROUBLES       HISTOEIC    SITCA- 

'lluN       ORGANIZATION    OF    Till:    COUNT!  lii N    OF    I  "I   vi'Y    si 

POPULATIOM       FIRST    ELECTION — ROAD    DISTRICTS    PRECINCTS      PRECINCTS 
REFORMED      TOWNSHIP     ORGANIZATION       REMOVAL     OF     COUNTS      SKAT — 

FIRST   CO!  RTHOl  si;        SECOND   COl  RT -I.        PRESENT    cm  BT 

PRESENT     JAIL      POOR     FARM — COUNTY      .Mix;:-.      SUPERINTENDENT     OF 

SCHOOLS — SHERIFFS COUNTY     TREASURERS COUNT'S     CLERKS       <  lid  I   II 

CLERKS   AND  RECORDERS — CORONERS — SURVEYORS-    SI  PERINTENDENTS   OF 

POOR STATES   ATTORNEYS COUNTY   COMMISSIONERS-    BOARD    OF    SI  PER- 

YISORS       NEW     ASSESSMENT     I  AW tl    Tt 


CHAPTER  VI 

POLITICAL  REPRESENTATION 

By  M.  P.  Walsh 

SEVERAL    APPORTIONMENTS — EARLY    REPRESENTATIVES     -LATER    REPRESENTS 
TIVES — A    CAPABLE    OFFICIAL — MEMBERS    OF    THE    GENERAL    ASSEMBLY — 
STATE     SENATORS — STATE      REPRESENTATIVES — POLITICAL      STATISTICS — 
PRESIDENTIAL    VOTE     75-80 


CHAPTER  VII 

EDUCATION 
By  Richard  W.  Bardwell 

ORIGIN  OF  SCHOOLS PIONEER  SCHOOLHOUSE — FIRST  SCHOOLS — EARLY    INSTI- 
TUTES— COUNTY    INSTITUTES INCREASE:     IN     SCHOOLS — EARLY     SCHOOLS 

HV   TOWNSHIPS — OTHER  EDUCATIONAL   INSTITUTIONS-    TEACHERS'    INSIT- 

■II    IES SCHOOL  STATISTICS GROWTH  OF  COMMON    AND    HIGH   SCHOOLS 

MC    nENRY    COUNTY    SCHOOL   PRINCIPALS    ASSOCIATION — COUNTY    81 
INTENDENT   OF   SCHOOLS — TODD   SEMINARY 81-97 


CHAPTBB   VIII 
CHURCHES 

RELIGIOUS  SPIRIT — LACK  OF  FACILITIES-  FIRST  SERVICES— FIRST  CHURCHES 
— BAPTISTS — CATHOLIC  CHRISTIAN  SCIENCE! — CONGREGATIONAL — EPIS- 
COPAL —  LUTHERAN  METHODIST  —  PRESBYTERIAN  —  ONIVERSALIST 

98-128 

CHAPTER  IX 

COURTS,  BENCH  AND  BAK 

By  Judge  Charles  P.  Barnes 

CIRCUIT  COURT-  FIRST  GRAND  JURY — CIRCUIT  JUDGES — COUNTY  COMMIS- 
SIONERS— COUNTY    JUDGES EARLY    ATTORNEYS — STATE 's    ATTORNEYS 

PRESENT  ATTORNEYS — MC    HENRY    COUNTY   BAR  ASSOCIATION IN    MEMO- 

KIAM       129-144 

CHAPTER  X 

MEDICAL  PROFESSION 

By  Dr.  C.  M.  Johnson 

THE     HEALING     ART— EARLIEST     PHYSICIANS — ALDEN — ALGONQUIN — CARY — 
CHEMUNG-  -CORAL — GREENWOOD — HARMONY — HARTLAND  —  HARVARD — 

HEBRON  —  HUNTLEY — MC  HENRY MARENGO RICHMOND WOODSTOCK 

COMMON    DISORDERS    OF    EARLY    YEARS SIDELIGHTS    ON    EARLY'    PHYSI- 
CIANS—PHYSICIANS OF   A    LATER  DATE — COTTAGE   HOSPITAL  AT   HARVARD 

WOODSTOCK    HOSPITAL    ASSOCIATION — PRESENT    PHYSICIANS MEDICAL 

SOCIETY     145-154 

CHAPTER  XI 

JOURNALISM 
By  Charles  F.  Renich 

FIRST  NEWSPAPER — ILLINOIS  REPUBLICAN WOODSTOCK  DEMOCRAT WOOD- 
STOCK    SENTINEL WOODSTOCK     CITIZEN ANTI-MONOPOLIST NEW     ERA 

— MCHENRY     COUNTY     DEMOCRAT WOODSTOCK     AMERICAN — MCHENRY 

PLAINDEALER — MARENGO    REPUBLICAN NEWS CRYSTAL    LAKE     HERALD 

HARVARD  HERALD HARVARD  INDEPENDENT HEBRON   TRIBUNE — RICH- 
MOND   GAZETTE    155-166 


CHAPTER   XII 

BANKS  AND   BANKING 

Bi    Fremont  i  I  • » \ 

FIRST   I  NITED  STATES   BANK      FIRST   BANK    OP  CHICAGO-    W 3TO(  K    BANK 

IM,    INSTITUTIONS      STATE    BANK    OF    U ISTOCK       AMERICAN     NATIONAL 

BANK   OF   WOODSTOCK      FARMERS'    EXCHANGE   STATE   BANK      WOODS I 

NATIONAL  BANK  BANKING  VI  CRYSTAL  LAKE  UNITED  STATES  BANK — 
SOME  STATE  BANK  OF  I  RTSTAL  LAKE  HARVARD  BANKING  INSTIT1  TION8 
— HARVARD  STATE  BANK— FIRST  STATE  BANK  OF  HARVARD  FINANCIAL 
REMLNISCENCES  OF  MC  HENRI  -FOX  KIVKK  STATE  BANK  —  RINGWOOD 
STATE  HANK—  FIRST  NATIONAL  BANK  OF  MARENGO  DAIRYMAN'S  STATE 
BANK  OF  MARENGO  STATE  BANK  OF  ONION  HEBRON  STATE  BANK — 
STATE  BANK  OF  III  NILE'S  ALGONQUIN  STATE  BANK  WEST  SIC  HENRY 
STATE  BANK  SPRING  GROVE  STATE  HANK-  CARS  STATE  BANK  STATE 
BANK  OF  RICHMOND  VICTORY  LOAN  SUBSCRIPTIONS  PATRIOTIC  SERV- 
ICE ACKNOWLEDGMENT  -WAR  WORK  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE  HANK 
SUMMARY     IliT   196 

CHAPTEK  XIII 

AGRICULTURE  AND  COUNTY  PAIRS 

By  George  A.  Eunt 

[MPORTANCE  OF  AGRICULTURE  MC  HENRY  COUNTY  FARMERS'  institute — 
MC  HENRY  COUNTY  FARM  BUREAU  BOYS*  AND  GIRLS '  CLUB  WORK 
MCHENRY  COUNTY  HOLSTELN  BREEDERS'  ASSOCIATION  Ml  HENRI 
COUNTY  HOME  BUREAU  —  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETIES  —  OTHER  FAIRS  — 
MARENGO  AGRICULTURAL  BOARD— KISHWAUKEE  FARMERS'  CLUB— FARM 
STATISTICS — REGISTERED    FARM     NAMES 197-216 

CHAPTER   XIV 

DAIRY   AND  DIVE  STOCK   INTERESTS 

By  \Y.  J.   Kittle 

LEADING    INDUSTRY — DIFFERENCE   IN    METHODS       EARLY    AND    LATER    DAY    IN- 
TERESTS— FORMER  cheese  AND  BUTTER  ACTIVITIES— RADICAL  CHANG] 
PIONEER   SHIPPERS — INTELLIGENT    DAIRYING     -DAIRY    INTERESTS— IMPOR- 
TANCE  OF    DAIRY    COW 'J17  12J12 


CHAPTER  XV 
RAILROADS  AND  [NDUSTRIAL  ENTERPRISES 

SOI  R<  i-  OP  PR1  3]  M  PROSPERITY  FIRST  STEAM  RAJLBOADS  -PRESENT  RAIL- 
BOADS  ELECTRIC  RAILROADS  RAILROAD  MILEALE  LOCAL  SHOPS — IN- 
DUSTRIAL      ACTIVITIES       WOODSTOCK     -MARENGO      HARVARD— ALGONQUIN 

— ALDEN  —  Mi'  1IKNKV  —  WEST  MCHENRY  —  CRYSTAL  LAKE  SPRING 
GROVE— TERRA  COTTA— RICHMOND— FARMERS*  NEW  ERA  TELEPHONE 
COMPANY    223  238 

CHAPTER  XVI 

.MILITARY 

PATRIOTISM-     WAR    with    MEXICO      QUOTA    IN    CIVIL    war-    FDJTEENTB    ILLI- 
NOIS     T\\  LVI'Y-TIIIKD    CONSOLIDATED — TlllK'n   SIXTH       NINETY-FIFTH 
ONE    HUNDRED    FORTY-FIRST — ONE    HUNDRED    FORTY-SECOND      ONE    HUN- 
DRED   FORTY-SEVENTH  —  ONE     HUNDRED    FIFTY-THIRD  — -  ONE     HUNDRED 
FIFTY-SIXTH  EIGHTH  (AYALRY  —  SEVENTEENTH   CAVALRY  MISCEL- 

LANEOUS— RETROSPECT  —  SPANISH-AMERICAN    WAR  —   MEXICAN    BORDER 
WARFARE — DEPARTING   FOR   MEXICAN  BORDER — THIRD  REGIMENT  STAFF 
TRUE    SPIRIT    OF    AMERICANISM — WORLD    WAR — DECLARATION    OF    WAR — 
VOLUNTEERS — SELECTIVE     DRAFT — REGISTRATIONS — WORLD     WAR     REGIS- 
TRARS   -        ADMINISTERING    THE    OATH    OF    CITIZENSHIP    —    EXEMPTION 

HOARDS  —  WAR     WORK BY     TOWNS1I  IPS-  e  AST  A  I.TILS       ROLL     OF      HONOR 

— SOLDIERS  HOME-COMING  WEEK — CHAIRMEN  OF  H0ME-C0MINU  COM- 
MITTEES— Woodstock  NATIONAL  GUARD — GRAND  ARMY  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 
— WOMAN'S   RELIEF    CORPS — AMERICAN    LEGION 239-269 

CHAPTER  XVII 
DAYS  OF  MOURNING 

DEATH    OF    ABRAHAM    LINCOLN — DEATH   OF   JAMES    ABEAM    GARFIELD— DEATH 

OF   U.  S.  GRANT — DEATH  OF  PRESIDENT  WILLIAM    MC   KINI.EY.  .  .  .'270  275 

CHAPTER  XVIII 

PERSONAL  REMINISCENCES 

By  E.  E.  Richards 

PREAMBLE — FIRST   MEMORIES       EAR]  J     SEARS — FREE  PASTURES — THE  COURTS 

COUNTY    FAIRS       MUSICAL  EVENTS-     PISHING —  HUNTING  —  ORIGINAL 

CHARACTERS       MUSICAL    REMINISCENCES    OF    HALF    A    CENTURY.  .276-289 


I  EAPTEB   XIX 
l  i;  A.TERNAL  SOCIETIES  AND  ORGANIZATIONS 

FREEMASONR1  OBDEB  OF  THE  EASTERN  8TAB  INDEPENDENT  OBDEB  OF  ODD 
FELLOWS  DAUGHTERS  OF  REBEKAB  KNIGHTS  OF  PYTHIAS  UODEBN 
WOODMEN  OF  AMERICA  -BOYAL  NEIGHBORS  OF  AMERICA  MYSTIC  WORK- 
ERS OF  THE  WORLD — KNIGHTS  OF  COLUMBUS  BENEVOLENT  AND  PRO 
i  I  I  ti\  B   ORDER   OF   ELKS 290-307 

CHAPTEE   XX 

PUBLIC  LIBRARIES 

By  Ida  L.  Gehrig 

W iSTOCK     LIBRARY-      MARENGO     LIBRARY         DELOS     F.     DIGGINS     LIBRARY 

308-312 

CHAPTER  XXI 
WOMAN'S  CLUBS 

By  Mrs.   \V.  II.  Dooi.itti.e 

iLGONQUIN-     CRYSTAL   LAKE— HARVARD   CIVIC   ASSOCIATION       HARVARD   FORT- 
NIGHTLY— HARVARD  WOMEN'S   t  I.I  B — HUNTLEY — LOTUS   COUNTRY — MA- 

RENGO       MC  EENRY     COUNTY     FEDERATION" — RICHMOND — RISII     CREEK 

SCHUMANN-SENECA     ASSOCIATION     OK     DOMESTIC     SCIENCE — WOODSTOCK 

313-332 

CHAPTER  XXII 
.MISCELLANEOUS 

TAXABLE  PROPERTY — EARLY  RATES — GOING  TO  MARKET  PRICES  BY.  PERIODS 
— VILLAGE  PLATS — CEMETERIES— POPULATION — SELECTED  NATIVITY- — 
INTERESTING  ITEMS — TORNADO  OF  1862— CYCLONE  OF  1883 — UNUSUAL 
\M>  UNFORTUNATE  OCCURRENCES — FROZEN  TO  DEATH — AN  EARLY  TEM- 
PERANCE SOCIETY  MEETING — CENTENARY  DRIVE — HOME  BUREAU — CIVIL 
WAR  RELICS — INSTALLING  A  NEW  TYPESETTING  MACHINE  -WAR  WAGED 
ON  CANADIAN  THISTLES — WORLD'S  FAIR  corn  EXHIBIT — SPRING  GROVE 
l  [SB    HATCHERY    333-353 


CHAPTER  Will 
A.LDEN  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES  OBIOIM  OF  NAME  TOPOGRAPHY— FIRST  SETTLEMENT  PIO- 
m:i.i;  EVENTS  BURIAL  PLACES  FIRST  SCHOOLS  IND  CHURCHES  POST 
OFFICE—  ILDEN    VH.LAGB— POPULATION— TOWNSHIP   OFFICIALS.  .354  357 

CHAPTEK  XXIV 

AJjGONQUIN  TOWNSHIP 

i. .h  ndaries  origin  of  name — topography — early  settlers — pioneer 
events  population — algonquin  village — post  office — municipal 
history  —  public   improvements  —  city    of    crystal    lake       post 

office: — municipal   history cits    officials   by   years— public   im 

provements  —  village  of   cary  —  business  interests     -township 
officials    358-367 

CHAPTEK  XXV 
BURTON  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES  -EARLY  SETTLEMENTS — EARLY  EVENTS — SPRING  GROVE  VILLAGE 
— INCORPORATION— POST   OFFICE  —  POPULATION  —  TOWNSHIP    OFFICIALS 

368-371 

CHAPTER  XXVI 

CHEMUNG  TOWNSHIP 

boundaries— topograph'? — origin   of   name — early   settlers — village 

of  chemung— city  of  harvard early  events — harvard  in  1876 — 

harvard  in  1885 incorporation present  officials — public  im- 
provements —  post  office  in'prstries — cemetery-  population — 
township  officials   372  378 

CHAPTER   XXVII 
CORAL  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARLY     SETTLEMENTS      INDIAN     VILLAGE: — PIONEER     EVENTS — 

VILLAGE  OF  CORAL VILLAGE  OF  UNION-    INCORPORATION POST  OFFICE — 

DEFUNCT    HARMONY — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP   OFFICIALS 379-383 


«  BAPTEB  XXVII] 
DORB  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES  ORIGIN  OP  NAM]  i:\l;i.\  SETTLERS  PIONEER  EVENTS  OEM] 
ri  i;ll-  iciim, i. ruu>  POPULATION  TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS  WOODSTOCK 
— HIGHEST  ALTITUDE  FIRST  BUSINESS  INTERESTS  HOTELS-  PUBLIC 
SQ1  \Ki:  SOLDIERS'  MONUMENT  POST  OFFICE  POSTMASTERS  INCOR- 
PORATION FIRST  VHjLAGE  OFFICIALS  MI.I.m.i.  rkl.Ml  u  \  i  -  FD3S1  CIT1 
OFFICIALS  MAYORS— PRESENT  CHI  OFFICIALS  PUBLIC  IMPROVEM] 
— CI  ill 'At;!  i  IM'i  STRIAL  HOME  FOB  CHILDREN  OLD  PEOPLE'S  BESI  HOME 
COUNTRY    CLUB      COMMERCIAL  AND  COMMUNITY    CLUB 384-393 

CHAPTER  XXIX 
DUNHAM  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES      TOPOGRAPHY — EARLY    SETTLERS      ORIGIN     <>K    NAME— PIONEEB 
EVENTS      CEMETERIES — SCHOOLS    AND    CHURCHES      CYCLONE    OF     Is-*-"'. 
POP1  I.ATIOX — TOWNSHD?   OFFICIALS    '■'<'■*  1-396 

CHAPTEB  XXX 
GRAFTON  TOWNSHIP 

BOl   NDARIES      ORIGIN   OF  NAME-     EARLY   SETTLERS — PIONEEB   EVENTS      I 

BRA       CEMETERIES  —  TOWNSHIP     OFFICIALS         VOLLAGE    OF     HUNTLEY  — 
EARL'S    BUSINESS    INTERESTS      POST  OFFICE— INCORPORATION ....  397    LO] 

CHAPTEB   XXXI 

GREENWOOD  TOWNSHIP 

boundaries — topography — earl?  settlers— cemeteries-  mills  —  but- 
11  i:  \\l>  cheese  factories — village  ok  i.ki.i  nwood  early  inter]  stb 
— post  offices — harvest  picnic     pop1  lation     townshd?  officials 

402  hk; 

CHAPTER  XXXII 
EARTLAND  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — FIRST  SETTLERS — PIONEER  INCIDENTS  CEMETERIES — BROOK- 
HALE  ['(1ST  OFFICE— EARLY  COUNTERFEITERS  -POPULATION— RAILROAD — 
\  [LLAGE  OF   HARTLAND — TOWNSHD?  OFFIC1  \l.s 407    till 


CHAPTBB  XXXII] 
HEBRON  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES      ORIGIN    OF    NAME      FIRST  SETTLERS — PIONEEE    EVENTS       C] 

TERIES      EARL'S     INDUSTRIES      TILLAGE     OF     HEBRON       POST     OFFICE      IN- 
CORPORATION      EARL'S      HISTORY     OF     HEBRON      POPULATION      TOWNSHIP 

<>ri  ni  \i.s    411-420 

CHAPTEB  XXXIV 
MARENGO  TOWNSHIP 

BOl   NDARIES      i:\KI.V     SETTLERS      ORIGINAL     NAME— EARLS     EVENTS-   CEME 
TERIES-     POPULATION-    ■  TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS  —  CITY     OF     MARENGO  — 
EARLY   BUSINESS   INTERESTS — MUNICD7AL   HISTORY — KIRK  DEPARTMENT 
PLACES    OF     AMUSEMENT      HOTELS      POST    OFFICE      COMMUNITY     CLUB — 
REMINISCENCES    OF    MARENGO  — FIFTY    SEARS    AND    MORE    AMONG    THE 
bees  4i21-4:{-J 

CHAPTEB  XXXV 
McHENRE  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARL'S  SETTLERS  PIONEER  EVENTS— CEMETERD3S  INDIAN 
FORI) — VILLAGE  OF  MC  HENRY — FACTORIES — BUSINESS  FACTORS  IN  1885 
— INCORPORATION  PUBLIC  IMPROVEMENTS  POST  OFFICIO  -HOTELS — 
WEST  MCHENR?  -JOHNSBURG— RINGWOOD  SPECIAL  FEATURES  POPU- 
LATION-   townshd?  officials   4:>:S-441 

CHAPTER  XXXVI 
NTXDA  TOWNSHIP 

BOl  NTDARIES  ORIGIN  OF  NAME — EARLY  SETTLERS — PIONEER  EVENTS — OLD 
TILLAGE    OF    NUNDA — BARREVILLE — TERRA    COTTA-    -POPULATION — TOWN- 

siiiL   officials    442-445 

CHAPTER  XXXVII 
RICHMOND  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — FIRST    SETTLERS       I'HiMiJ;    EVENTS       VILLACIEOF    IliOIIMoNIl 
LOST    OFFICE — PUBLIC   IMPROVEMENTS       -MUNICIPAL   HISTORY  —  SOLON 


MILLS  —   ORIGIN     OF     SWEET     BY     Wl>     l:V         POPULATION         TOWNSHIP 
OKI  ICIALS     146   150 


•  BAPTEB  XXXVIH 
RILEY  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES  AND  TOPOGRAPH!       EARL!    SETTLERS      PIONEER  EVENTS      CEME- 
TERIES—SOUTH     RILEY — POPULATION      TOWNSHIP    OFFICIALS.  .  .45]    153 


CHAPTER  XXXIX 
SENECA  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES-  <>l;i<;i\  or  NAME — FIRST  SETTLERS  PIONEEB  EVENTS  CEME- 
TERIES—  SCHOOLS  AM>  CHURCHES  —  FRANKI.1NYILLE —  I'OIM  LATION  — 
TOW  NSHTP   OFFICIALS     4-".  I    C>7 


CHAPTER  XL 

THE  PART  OF  BIOGRAPHY  IN  GENERAL  HISTORY — CITIZENS  OF  MC  HENRY 
COUNTY  AM)  OUTLINES  OF  PERSONAL  history — PERSONAL  SKETCHES 
ARRANGED  IN  ENCYCLOPEDIC  ORDER 459-959 


PORTRAITS 


Allen,  Charles  T 24 

Barni  a,  Charles   P 32 

Bassett,    Cora    M 40 

t,    Ebei    E 40 

Buckland,  John  V 48 

Burnside,    Thomas C4 

Burnside,  Mrs.  Thomas '< I 

Burton.    Daniel 258 

Chase,    Bartson  A 582 

Cole,   Alson  J 72 

Cole,  Thomas  D.  and  Family 78 

••.    E.    Christian 102 

Coriett,    Robert    E 102 

Covell,    Lucien   B L10 

Cowan,   Ellen    E 118 

Cowan,    Robert 118 

Davis,   William    II 126 

I,  Mrs.  William   II 126 

Diener,  Delia   M 134 

Diener,   John    C 134 

Diggins,   Albert  B 142 

Digging,    Emma   3 142 

Dike,    Al.ial 150 

Dike,  Olive  H 130 

Dodge,  NelKe  L 158 

..-.    William    A 158 

Durkee,   Harvey   (i 164 

Dnrkee,  Mrs.  Harvey  G 1G4 


Eaton,   Howard   D 174 

Ebel,   Henry  C 182 

Bhorn,  Harry    1 190 

Ellsworth,    Alice   E 844 

Fleming,    Allen   Q 198 

Fleming,  [sabella 198 

l'i   eman,    William    M 206 

Gardner,    Ben 258 

Garrison,  Orlando 214 

Gault,    Richard 222 

Gi  tzelman,  Benjamin  C 230 

Gile,  Harry  D 238 

Hattie  M 238 

Gile,  Children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harry 

D 212 

Haeger,   Robert    E 250 

Hanaford,  Frank  E 258 

Bastings,    Homer   M 266 

Higbee,  Charles  C 27  1 

Holmes,    Dora 282 

Holm,-.    Rilej 282 

Hoy,   M.  D 290 

Hubrig,   Marl  in    11 298 

Hull,    Harry    D 306 

Hunt.    Carlton    C 314 

Hunt,  George  A 322 

Johnson,    Colonel    M 330 

Johnson,    Horai  e    W 330 


Kvlli  % .     A  I. in  i     W 

Is  n:i|i|i.  Gardner    A (46 

B  napp,  Mai  tan  E     ;;  i<; 

Kreutzer,   Frank 

Kreutzer,  Mrs.   Frank 

Kreutzer,  Kunigunda 

Kn  ut.  er,    Paul 

Kroeger,    John    P :;7i; 

Cruse,    Anna 

.    i  liarles 

Lace,  Claude  C 394 

LasCella,  Andrew 258 

I. mil  aj  .    Thomas 102 

Lowe,    i  ■ r..!-u.' i  in 

Low...  Jesaie  Watson HO 

Lundgri  n,   Iran/.   E H8 

Lundgren,  I  ■■•In-  II lis 

Lundg i .  n.   Sirs.    I 'ehr  II H8 

.Mann,    Willis    II 

Marks.    Charles    E 138 

Maxi.n.    Clara    B I  111 

M.IMHI.     Fred     A III'. 

McCaffrey,   Daniel  .1 452 

McConnell,  Elizabeth 474 

M   I  onnell,  I  leorge 466 

McConnell,   Mrs.  Qeorge 166 

McConnell,   William    A 17  I 

McDiamond,    Eliza    A sit 

M.  Evoy,     Martin    .1 182 

McLaughlin,    John    F 190 

McLaughlin,   Julia    A 190 

McLaughlin,   Julia 190 

McLaughlin,  Mary 490 

McMillan,    Benry 198 

McMillan,   Mrs.    Benry 198 

Mead,  Cyrus   1 506 

Meger,    Prankie B  1 1 

Merriam,    Hamilton 514 

Merriam,  Mary  1 5  I  I 

Miller,  John  C 522 

Miller,     Mary    A 844 


c 

Nowak,    Edward    F 540 

Peak,   Alonzo   8 

Peak,   Emily   K .-, is 

Peak,    Fin,       1  .-.-,,■, 

Peter,  John .-»»;  1 

M '  s.    John 564 

Peters,    John    C 

Peterson,   Anna    E 582 

l.'i  Inn  st,     Henry ,-,;in 

Rehorst,   Mary 590 

Reimer,    Ernes)    C   598 

l.'i  oil  li,  1  I. ail  -  f 606 

l.Vnir.  Phineas  A 614 

1-    E 622 

tus  E    622 

Richardson,  <  tors    B 630 

Richardson,   Jesse    B 630 

Rushton,  t. -ge    F 

Rushton,  Jean  M 638 

81  hmitt,    Anton   M 

Schmitt,  John  M.  and   Family .  .    .     654 

S.  limit  t,     Katharine 646 

Schroeder,    Fred    11 662 

Seward,  Ellsworth  E 670 

Slu  Mini.      Marvin 

Sherburne,   Vernon   I> 678 

Sincerbox,    Hattie    .1 686 

Sincerbox,   William   s 686 

Smith,    Adolph    R 694 

Smith,   Barbara   A 702 

.Smith.    John    .1 702 

Manii.nl    Charles        71n 

er,    Carl    W 718 

\ 7l'('i 

-,     Fi  am      A       7LV, 

Street,    Benrj    Q   734 

Tryon,    Charles    11 712 


Turner,    Benry    M 

Turner,  James  II 758 

Uecke,    Robeii    C 776 

Walkup,    Eva    M 780 

Wnlkup,   I..    W ::i 

Walsh,   Michael    P 788 

Webster,  Carlton 798 

W  ebster,   Mrs.   Carlton 796 

i.    Ella    (1 804 

Welch,    William    J 304 

West,   Hyde 812 

Whiston,  Barry   E 820 

Whiston,   M:i   M 


Whitson,    Tli as 

Whitoon,  Mrs.  Thomas -   - 

Williams,   John    E 

Willis.    Charles    N 844 

Willis.    Elmer  .1 844 

Willis.   Mary   C 844 

Willis,  William  N B44 

u  ingati .  James   W - 

Wingate,     Lillian - 

Woodard,  William  C *<'■" 

Wright,    Mary    A 868 

Wright,  William 868 

Zander,  Josephine   E 876 

Zander,  William  C s7<; 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Community  High  School,  W (stock B2 

Cottage  Eospital,  Harvard 152 

High  School  and  Gymnasium,  t Irystal  Lake 90 

Interior  of  First  National   Bank,  Marengo 424 

.Map  of  McHenry  County Following  Tith  Page,  Vol.  I 

Masonic  Temple,  Harvard 372 

McHenry  County  Courl   House,   W Istock 56 

Public   School,    Harvard 94 

Soldiers'  .Momimenl  and  Band  Stand.  Woodstock 386 

St.  .Mary's  School,  W Istock B6 

Williams  Street.  Crystal  Lake 360 


History  of  McHenry  County 


CHAPTEB  I 
TOPOGRAPHY,  GEOLOGY  AND  NATURAL  FEATURES 

GENERAL     SURFACE— FOX     RIVER— PISTAQUA     LAKE — THE     NIPPERSINK— THE 
KISHWAUl  HALL     LAKES      CAUSE     OF     PRAIRIES — GEOLOGICAL     FEA- 

TURES— STONE   QUARR1       GOOD    el. AY — GRAVEL    AND    SAND — FEAT    BEDS — 
RECENT  DRAINAGE. 

GENERAL   SURFACE 

The  surface  of  the  county  is  varied,  consisting  of  prairies,  both  level 
ami  undulating,  wooded  ridges,  and  hills  of  considerable  elevation.  The 
configuration  is  such  thai  artificial  drainage  is  rendered  comparatively 
easy,  while  nature  has  provided  ample  water  courses.  The  Fox  River, 
rising  in  Wisconsin,  Hows  south,  in  Lake  and  McHenry  counties,  keeping 
near  the  county  line.  This  is  a  noble  stream,  one  of  the  finest  in  the 
country.  Ultimately  it  unites  with  the  Illinois  River.  The  Fox  enters 
McHenry  County  about  eighl  miles  Erom  the  Wisconsin  state  line,  flow- 
ing OUt  of  the  Pistaqua  Lake,  which  hotly  lies  in  both  counties,  and  is 
but  the  expansion  of  the  river  itself.  A  little  over  two  miles  further 
south,  the  river  bends  westward  into  .McHenry  County,  this  time  coming 
from  Lake  County.  Prom  this  point  it  courses  down  the  line  until  the 
southern  line  of  the  county  is  reached  again  at  Alg ruin.  The  Nipper- 
sink,  a  tributary  of  the  Fox,  rises  in  .McHenry  County  and  traverses  the 
northeastern  part  of  the  county.  This  enmity  is  also  the  source  of  the 
Kishwaukee  River,  its  chief  branches  rising  in  the  central  and  western 

part  of  Ih unity.     This  stream  (lows  westward  into  Rock  River.    There 

are  other  smaller  streams  throughoul  McHenry  County. 

Small  lakes  ,„■  ponds,  were  originally  quite  uumerous  in  this  county, 
bul  to  a  greal  extent  these  have  disappeared  through  drainage  systems 

17 


18  HISTORY  OF  M(  IIKXKY  COUNTY 

of  the  last  half  century.    There  are,  however,  several  lefl  yet.    Son 
these  arc  fed  by  never  failing  springs  while  many  are  surface  Bloughs  and 
depend  largely  on  Burface  water  and  heavy  rains  for  their  existence. 

CA1  SE  OF  PRAIRIES 

The  siat.'  authorities  after  having  caused  a  survey,  or  ratlin-  a  re- 
survey  of  tlif  topography  of  the  county  after  the  Civil  War.  published  in 
substance  the  following  concerning  its  appi  arance  and  condition  : 

"The  surface  elevation  very  Dearly  approaches  the  highest  in  the 
state  (since  then  it  is  known  for  a  certainty  that  the  stand-pipe  of  the 

\V Lstock  water-works  is  built  on  the  highest  poinl  in  Illinois)  a  fad 

which  further  accounts  for  the  wholesomeness  of  the  climate.  The  county 
is  somewhal  unequally  divided  into  woodland  and  prairie  the  latter  being 
much  in  excess.  Good  timber  is  quite  plentiful,  ami  the  people  are  sup 
plied  at  home  with  all  that  is.  required  for  fuel  and  some  Eor  general 
common  building  purposes.  In  1880  it  was  believed  that  there  was  fully 
as  much  timber  in  the  county  as  when  firsl  settled  in  the  thirties, 
prairies  stretching  their  broad  grassy  surface  between  the  groves  present 
an  interesting  natural  phenomenon,  ami  in  as  much  more  than  half  of 
McHenry  <  Jounty  is  composed  of  them,  the  question  of  their  origin  cannot 

fail  to  interest  the  Local  reader.    Much  speculation  has  been  made  hi 

this  subject,  the  results  of  which  may  be  summed  up  in  two  distinct 

theories. 

"The  first  theory  presupposes  that  the  -oil  of  the  prairies  was  formed 

by   the  decompositi f   vegetable   matter  under   water,   with    attendant 

conditions  unfavorable  to  the  growth  of  timber.  Those  who  hold  to  this 
theory  maintain  that  prairies  arc  even  now  forming  along  the  rivers  and 
shores  of  lakes.  River  channels  are  constantly  ehaiiLrim_r.  by  reason  of 
freshets.  The  heaviest  particles  transported  by  the  water  fall  nearest  the 
channel,  and  here  repeated  deposits  first  cause  hanks  to  he  elevate, 1  above 
the  Hoods.  Trees  spring  up  on  the  natural  levies,  serving  to  strengthen 
them  and  render  them  permanent.  When  an  overflow  takes  place  1! 
harriers  keep  subsiding  waters  from  returning  to  the  river  bed;  and  by 
frequent  inundations  the  bottom  lands  become  sloughs  or  swamps.  The 
water  is  usually  shallow  and  stagnant,  and  is  thus  soon  invaded  by  mosses 
and  aquatic  plants,  which  grow  beneath  the  surface  ami  contain  in  their 
fibers  silica,  alumina  and  lime,  the  constituents  of  clay.  To  thes,.  plants 
mollusks  and  other  small  aquatic  animals  attach  themselves  and  find  in 
them  their  subsistence.   Hence  a  constant  decomposition,  both  of  animal 


BISTORT  OF  M(  I1KXKY  COUNTY  19 

and  vegetable  matter,  ensues,  and  finally  forms  a  stratum  of  clay,  like  the 
underlying  prairies. 

"The  marshy  bottoms  are  tints  gradually  buill  up  to  the  surface  of 
the  water;  vegetable  matter  becomes  more  abundant,  rushes,  reeds  and 
eoarse  grasses  being  added  to  other  forms  of  plant  life.  These  plants, 
rising  above  the  water,  absorb  the  carbonic  acid  gas  of  the  air  and  converl 
them  into  woody  fiber,  which  by  decomposition  firsl  forms  the  clay  mold 
and  afterward  the  black  mold  of  the  prairie.  Sucb  agencies,  now  operat- 
ing in  the  ponds  which  skirl  river  banks,  originally  formed  all  the  prairies 

the  Mississippi  Valley.  According  to  geologists,  the  surface  of  the 
land  was  submerged  toward  the  close  of  the  drift  period,  and  as  it  slowly 
emerged  afterward  it  was  covered  with  extensive  ponds  of  shallow  watt  r 

which  finally  became  swamps,  ami  then  prairies,    one  remarkable  feature 

about  the  prairies,  namely,  the  absence  of  trees,  is  accounted  for  first  by 
the  formation  of  ulmic  acid,  which  is  favorable  to  the  growth  of  plants, 
Inn  retards  that  of  the  trees;  second  the  roots  of  trees  require  air,  winch 
they  cannot  obtain  when  the  surface  is  under  water  or  covered  by  a  com- 
pact sodj  third,  marshy  Hats  offer  no  solid  points  to  which  the  trees  may 
attach  themselves.  But  when  the  land  becomes  dry,  and  the  sod  is 
broken  by  cultivation,  almost  all  varieties  of  native  woods  grow  and  thrive 
upon  the  prairie.  The  uneven  surface  of  some  of  the  prairies  is  due  to  the 
Lve  action  of  subsiding  waters.  The  drainage  following  the  creeks 
and  rivers,  finally  resulted  in  the  formation  of  rolling  prairies. 

The  foregoing  t  beory  is  based  upon  a  large  and  const  ant  water  supply; 

; ther  theory,   which   is  accepted   by   many,   assumes   a   very   different 

aqueous  condition  in  accounting  for  the  prairies.  It  is  a  well-known  fact 
in  physical  geography  that  the  chief  continents  of  the  globe  are  generally 
surrounded  by  belts  of  timber,  while  further  inland  are  areas  of  treeless 
tracts,  and  centrally  extensive  deserts.  On  the  eastern  coast  of  North 
America,  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  the  Hudson  P>ay,  as  well  as  on  the 

Pacific  sin] f  the  continent,  timber  grows  thickly  and  spontaneously. 

These  two  /.ones  of  timber  approach  each  other  at  the  north  and  south, 
and  within  them  lie  the  wide  prairies  of  the  Mississippi  Valley.  Farther 
west  arc  those  arid  regions  which  have  caused  them  to  be  designated  as 
the  "Great  American  Desert."  Other  portions  of  the  earth  have  likewise 
their  areas  of  forest,  treeless  lands  and  barrens.  In  Africa,  the  Sahara;  in 
Europe,  the  Steppes;  iii  Asia,  the  rainless  wastes;  in  South  America,  the 
Atcama,  all  serve  to  illustrate  that  the  operation  of  physical  laws  such  as 
have  caused  the  diversification  of  the  United  States  has  been  general  in 
all  countries. 


20  HISTORY  OF  McHENRTf  COUNTY 

"1"|hhi  investigation  it  will  be  found  thai  this  alternation  of  w Is, 

prairie  and  deserts  corresponds  with  the  variations  in  the  amount  of  rain- 
fall. The  ii. ■can  is  the  great  Bource  of  moisture,  and  the  clouds  arc  tin' 
vehicles  which  transport  it  over  the  land.  Actual  investigation  has 
proved  thai  most  of  the  water  taken  from  the  ocean  in  form  of  vapor  or 
clouds  is  discharged  upon  the  rim  of  the  continent;  thai  the  amount  of 

rainfall  is  much  less  inward  the  interior,  until  finally,  almost  total  aridity 

is  found.  Upon  applying  this  theory  to  the  American  continent,  it  will 
be  found  that  in  going  from  New  York  to  San  Francisco,  the  amount  of 
rainfall  very  nearly  coincides  with  the  all. 'rations  of  woodland  prairie 
and  desert.  At  New  York  the  average  rainfall  is  forty-two  inches;  the 
region  extending  thence  to  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.,  where  the  annual  rainfall 
is  twenty-nine  inches,  is  well  timbered;  thence  to  Galesburg,  111.,  where 
the  rainfall  is  twenty-four  inches,  the  country  is  prairie  interspersed  with 
occasional  chimps  of  woodland;  thence  to  Ft.  Laramie,  having  only 
twenty  inches  of  rainfall,  the  country  rapidly  changes  to  continuous 
praine;  thence  to  Ft,  Tbuma,  having  three  inches,  it  becomes  a  desert; 

and  then  to  San  Francisco,  where  the  rainfall  is  twenty-two  inches,  it 
changes  back  to  thick  forests.    Illinois  lies  within  the  region  of  alternate 

\\ I  and  prairie. 

"Still  further  some  scientists  claim  that  the  treeless  tracts  are  due 
to  the  nature  of  the  soil.     It  is  highly  probable  that  each  of  the  forces 
named  in  these  theories  may   have  had  something  to  do  with  the  forma 
lion   of  our  beautiful  and   productive   prairies." 

GEOLOGICAL  FORMATIONS 

It  is  not  the  object  of  this  chapter  to  go  far  into  the  detailed  account 
of  the  geological  t'oniiation  of  this  county,  but  merely  to  give  a  general 
idea  of  the  common  geological  formations  as  have  been  determined  by 
state  and  other  geologists,  especially  Prof.  Worthen,  former  state  geol- 
ogist. 

The  geological  formations  in  this  county  consist  largely  of  drift. 
The  bedrock,  which  is  rarely  exposed,  belongs  chiefly  to  the  Niagara 
group.  Along  the  western  border  of  the  county,  is  a  narrow  strip  running 
north  and  south,  the  underlying  formation  belongs  to  the  Cincinnati 
group.  The  drift  deposits  consist  of  clay  and  hardpan.  with  occasional 
beds  of  sand  and  gravel,  and  boulders  frequently  scattered  throughout 
the  mass,  cover  the  whole  surface  of  the  county  for  an  average  depth  of 
about   seventy  feet.     The  mighty  agencies  of  nature  at    work  during  the 


BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNT'S  2] 

glacial  period  ground  away  and  transformed  all  of  the  original  forma 
tions  above  the  Silurian  rocks,  and  buried  these  rocks  themselves  beneath 
a  mass  of  dt'liris  of  heterogeneous  character. 

There  arc  no  good  opportunities  afforded  Eor  observing  sections  of 
drift  in  this  county.  There  being  no  natural  exposures,  excavations  for 
wells  afford  aboul  the  only  data  accessible,  and  this  is  meagre.  Wells 
are  seldom  sunk  to  a  greater  depth  than  forty  feet,  and  in  that  distance 
little  is  found  except  blue  clay,  or  hardpan,  with  an  occasional  pocket 
or  irregular  seam  of  quicksand  and  gravel.  Boulders  arc  found  both  on 
the  surface  and  in  excavations.  They  are  of  varying  size  and  of  all  sorts 
of  material,  such  as  granite,  senite,  trap,  greenstone,  limestone  and  sand- 
stone.    Near  the  Fox  River  the  ridges  contain  large  quantities  of  rolled 

limestone  boulders,  evidently  derived  from  the  Niagara  rocks  of  Wist 

sin.  The  mass  of  the  drift,  however,  appears  to  be  clay  and  hardpan, 
with  occasional  boulders.  Logs  of  wood  and  other  vegetable  remains 
have  frequently  been  found  beneath  the  surface,  at  distances  From  fifteen 
to  fifty  feet . 

With  the  exception  of  the  narrow  belt  along  the  western  line  of  the 
county,  already  referred  to  as  belonging  to  the  Cincinnati  group,  the 
underlying  formation  probably  belongs  wholly  to  the  Niagara  group. 
The  oulcrops,  however,  are  so  few  as  to  render  absolute  knowledge  of  the 
formation  impossible.  In  the  northeastern  corner,  in  section  17,  town- 
ship 44,  range  !•.  nearly  on  the  county  line  between  Lake  and  McIIenry. 
the  limestone  is  exposed  in  an  excavation  by  the  roadside.  It  is  unstrati- 
fied  and  contains  no  well-preserved  fossils.  At  the  Sand  Hills  on  the 
Kishwaukee.  in  the  southwest  part  of  section  21,  township  4  1,  range  6,  a 
bed  of  limestone  was  Found  in  an  excavation,  fourteen  feel  below  the 
surface.   This  is  probably  of  the  Niagara  group. 

The  exposures  of  the  Cincinnati  formation  arc  limited  to  one  locality, 
about  two  miles  east  of  (iarden  Prairie  station,  of  the  Galena  division  of 
the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad,  about  one-fourth  of  a  mile  south 
of  the  main  wagon  road  between  that  station  and  Marengo.  This  rock 
has  been  quite  extensively  quarried  here.  It  is  a  bluff  limestone,  thinly 
bedded,  and  containing  considerable  chert  in  some  part  of  the  quarry. 
Frequently  it  has  a  Blight  bluish  tinge.  Fossils  are  scarce  and  very  im- 
perfect 

The  only  extensive  stone  quarry  in  the  county  is  the  one  just    men 
tioned.     The  rock  being  thin-bedded,  and  containing  chert,  is  not  cal 
culated  to  serve  all  purposes  of  a  building  stone,  yet   it  becomes  very 
useful  in  foundation  and  for  the  rougher  kinds  of  masonry.     Along  the 


22  IIIstowy  OF  Mi  IIKXIJY  COUNTY 

Fox  River  the  boulders  found  in  the  ridges  have  been  quarried  to  some 
extent,  and  a  rough  building  material  obtained  therefrom.  Lime  lia.s  been 
burned  from  the  limestone  boulders  in  some  places,  bu1  no  extensive 
manufacture  of  it  has  ever  been  attempted. 

Good  clay  for  brick-making  is  quite  alum. lam  in  McHenry  County, 
[ts  prevailing  culm-,  when  burned,  is  red,  or  reddish  brown.  At  Wood- 
stock and  McHenry,  however,  a  white  strati  colored  brick  is  made.    The 

day  for  the  white  brick  i^  obtai 1  at  Woodstock,  under  a  peal  bed,  and 

it  was  formerly  supposed  to  be  a  sedimentary  formation  more  recent  than 
the  drift.  That  at  McHenry,  geologists  tell  us.  belongs  to  the  drift  period 
proper.  At  Woodstock  the  same  clay  used  in  making  brick  lias  also  been 
profitably  employed  in  making  drain  tile. 

l'eat  is  abundant  in  the  county,  but  the  mosl  extensive  deposits  are  in 
the  north  half  of  the  county.  It  is  found  in  the  sloughs  or  bogs,  in  vary- 
ing depths  and  of  various  qualities.  .Many  years  ago  it  was  thoroughly 
tested  and  found  to  be  excellent  for  fuel.  In  1880  it  was  estimated  that 
there  were  between  4,000  and  5.000  acres  of  sloughs  containing  peat  in 
the  counties  of  Lake  and  McHenry.  One  of  the  largest  peal  sloughs  was 
situated  near  Hebron  station,  in  sections  7  and  8  in  township  46,  range  7 
This  bed,  with  Blight  exceptions,  extends  several  miles  to  the  southwest. 
to  the  Xippersink,  probably  covering  an  area  of  about  three  square  miles. 
The  average  depth  appears  to  be  from  six  to  ten  feet.  It  was  stated  in 
the  seventies,  that  these  peat  beds  afforded  an  almost  inexhaustible  fuel 
supply,  stored  for  future  ages.  Peat  was  used  for  fuel  in  Durfee's  brick 
and  tile  works  at  Woodstock,  where  it  proved  very  successful.  But  from 
the  fact  that  coal  and  wood  were  to  be  had  here,  but  little  practical  atten- 
tion  was  ever  given  to  the   ase  of  peat,      .Many  of  the  sloughs,   where   it 

exists,  have  been  drained  and  are  today  "pastures  of  living  green" 
more  valuable  to  its  owner  than  for  fuel,  it  is  believed.  Hence  it  will 
be  observed  that  McHenry  County  does  not  possess  great  mineral  wealth 
and  depends  largely  on  what  its  rich  soil  will  produce,  rather  than  from 
anything  to  be  taken  from  beneath  its  surface. 


CHAPTBB  II 
INDIAN  OCCUPATION 

ORIGIN    OF   THE   INDIAN ILLINOIS  TRIBES — BLACK    HAWK    WAR — DEATH    AND 

BURIAL  OF  BLACK    HAWK — INDIAN   IN   THIS  COUNTY — INFLUENCE  OF   THE 
INDIAN — INDIAN    MOUNDS — INDIAN   OF   TODAY. 

ORIGIN    OF  THE   INDIAN 

Archeologista  and  ethnologists  differ  materially  with   reference  to 

ih agin  of  the  North  American  Indian,  the  Red  .Man.    Some  contend 

that  he  is  the  direct  descendant  of  the  two  lust  tribes  of  Israel;  others 
that  he  is  but  the  climatic  development  from  the  original  man;  and  still 
others  that  with  the  scattering  of  mankind  at  the  fall  of  the  Tower  of 
Babel,  Some  found  their  way  across  Asia  into  North  America  at  a  period 
long  antedating  recorded  history  aside  from  the  preserved  parchments 
of  Sacred  Writ.  However,  no  matter  what  is  the  origin,  the  American 
Indian  was  found  on  this  continent  when  its  wonders  and  possililities 
were  revealed  to  the  Old  World.  By  right  of  possession,  he  was  the 
owner  of  this  vast  country,  and  many  believe  that  shame  will  ever  rest 
on  the  White  .Man  that  the  Aborigine  was  grievously  deprived  of  his 
birthright. 

ILLINOIS    TRIBES 

The  tribes  found  in  what  later  hecame  the  State  of  Illinois,  are 
usually  grouped  under  the  name  Illini,  from  whence  comes  our  name 
Illinois.  The  leading  tribes  in  the  Illini  confederation  were  the  Sac, 
Fox,  Winnebago,  Chippewa,  and  Pottawatomi.  The  latter  were  friendly, 
and  gave  little  or  no  trouble  to  the  white  settlers,  very  friendly  relations 
existing  between  the  Indians  and  the  pioneers.  The  government  had  con- 
siderable trouble  with  the  Sac  and  Fox  Indians,  making  several  treaties 
with  them,  which  were  regarded  by  the  ignorant  savages  as  "mere  hits 
of  paper,"  something  in  the  same  manner  as  a  once  powerful  nation  was 
to  later  treat  similar  sacred  obligations,  without  the  extenuating  excuse  of 

23 


24  BISTORT  OF  MoHENRY  COUNTY 

ignorai Black  Hawk,  the  sagacious  leader  of  the  Sacs,  resenting  the 

exile  of  his  i pie  from  their  dearly  beloved  camping  grounds  on  the 

present  site  of  Rock  Island,  violated  the  provisions  of  the  treaty  of  1804, 
and  returned  to  the  disputed  territory  in  1>:n.  General  Gaines,  with  ;i 
company  of  regulars  and  1,500  volunteers  took  the  Indians  by  surprise, 
burned  their  village,  and  forced  a  new  treaty  in  which  they  ceded  all 
their  lands  easl  of  the  Mississippi  River  to  the  government  and  agreed  to 
remain  west  of  the  "  Father  of  Waters."  <  >nce  more  the  solemn  agreement 
was  disregarded,  and  Black  Hawk  with  bis  people  crossed  the  river. 
asibly  to  visit  the  villa'.'.'  known  as  "Prophet's  Town,"  but  evidently 
with  the  idea  of  eventually  regaining  the  longed  for  land  lying  along 
the  eastern  hanks  of  the  Mississippi.  This  invasion  precipitated  what  is 
known  in  history  as  The  Black  Hawk  War. 

BLACK    HAWK   WAR 

Governor  Reynolds  eolleeted  1.800  volunteers,  placing  them  under  the 
command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Samuel  Whiteside,  who  joined  the  regular  army 
under  General  Atchison,  and  two  companies  under  .Major  stillman. 
After  the  village  of  the  Prophet  was  burned,  there  was  a  small  engage- 
ment at  Stillman  "s  Hun.  There  were  engagements  at  Apple  River  1- 
an  expedition  against  Rock  Island,  the  battle  of  Bad  Axe.  and  finally 
Black  Hawk  was  captured,  together  with  bis  son  and  the  Prophet,  and 
sent  to  Washington,  D.  C,  and  thence  as  prisoners  to  Portress  Mon- 
roe. There  Black  Hawk  was  confined  until  July  4,  1833,  when  he  was 
set  at  liberty  by  order  of  the  President,  and  together  with  his  com- 
panions returned  to  Rock  Island,  where  with  impressive  ceremonies  they 
were  set  at  liberty,  and  crossed  the  Mississippi  River  for  the  last  time. 
In  1838,  Black  Hawk  built  himself  a  white  man's  dwelling  near  Des 
Moines.  Iowa,  and  there  rounded  out  his  life,  engaging  in  hunting,  fish- 
ing and  agricultural  pursuits.  ,  His  death  occurred  October  3,  1838,  and 
he  was  buried  in  a  grave  six  foot  deep,  in  a  sitting  posture.  The  body 
of  the  old  warrior  was  clothed  in  a  uniform  presented  to  him  by  the 
President  of  the  United  states;  m  bis  right  hand  was  a  cane  given  him 
by  Henry  Clay,  and  thus  he  rested  on  the  banks  of  the  "Father  of 
Waters.'"  but  in  death  as  in  life,  separated  by  it  from  what  was  to  him 
the  "Promised  band."  About  the  time  of  the  Civil  War.  possibly 
earlier,  the  Iowa  State  University,  of  Iowa  City,  took  the  mortal  remains 
of  old  Black  Hawk  up  and  placed  them  in  the  State  museum,  where  a 
years  later,  through  accident,  his  bones  were  burned  along  with 
many  other  invaluable  Iowa  relies. 


J£>L*jl~  l'fiti~- 


HISTORY  OF   M«  IIKXKY   COUNT?  25 

THE    INDIAN    1\    THIS    COUNTY 

A.8  McHenry  County  did  qoI  1" me  a  separate  unit  until  after  the 

Indians  were   filially  exiled   from   this   pari    of   the  state,   as  a    corporate 

body,  it  had  no  part  in  the  Indian  troubles,  aor  did  any  of  its  settlers 
participate  in  the  Black  Hawk  War,  save  as  residents  of  some  other 
section.  Prior  to  the  coming  of  the  firsl  permanenl  white  settler  in  1834, 
roving  hands  of  Indians  hunted  over  this  territory,  and  camped  along  its 
streams.  It  is  claimed  thai  Indian  traders  frequently  came  up  the  Fox 
[liver  with  their  goods  which  they  bartered  in  exchange  for  the  pelts 
■in'  [ndians  secured  from  their  hunts. 

INFLUENCE  OK    THE   INDIAN 

As  long  as  the  nomenclature  of  the  State  of  Illinois  remains  as  it  is, 
the  Indian  will  not  he  Eorgotten.  The  beautiful  Fox  River  recalls  the 
powerful   Pox  tribe  that   for  SO  many  years  spelled  terror  to  the  settlers 

in  s e  parts  of  the  state.    Algonquin,  Nippersink,  Kishwaukee  are  also 

reminiscent  of  the  days  when  the  Red  .Man  reigned  supreme. 

INDIAN    MOUNDS 
No  one  has  satisfactorily   explained   the  origin   of  the   mounds   found 

in  various  parts  of  the  country,  known  as  Indian  Mounds.    They  have 

been   iriven   the   name   Indian,  although   relies  found   in   them  prove  tli.it 

they  were  originally  built  by  some  peoples  antedating  the  Red   .Man. 

That  the  Indians  used  them  for  interment  purposes,  and  also  I'm-  stor- 
ing away  of  implements  and  articles  of  value  to  them,  is  admitted.    Some 

claim  that  these  mounds  were  watehtowers  of  the  tribes,  Erom  which 
the  advance  of  hostile  tribes  eould  be  watched.  At  any  rate  they  are 
interesting   and    their  value   as  monuments   of   a   period    in   our   history, 

would  seem  to  suggesl  that  they  be  preserved  for  posterity  by  the 
government. 

INDIANS    OF    TODAY 

Gone  is  the  warrior  of  old.     His  arrows  with   his  bow.  are  but    euri- 
OSitieS  to  be  handed  down  to  his  children  as  heirlooms  of  the  past.      Few 
of  the  Indians  now  wear  their  tribal  garb.     .Many  of  the  racial  character 
isties  have  disappeared.     The  younger  generations  have  been,  ami  are 


26  BISTORT  OP  .M<  HENRY  COUNTY 

being,  educated  at  Carlisle  and  other  government  schools.  .Many  of  the 
Indians  are  wealthy  and  honored  members  of  several  of  the  western 
states,  where  they  are  living  on  the  grants  of  land  from  the  government. 
In  a  Eevi  years  more  the  descendants  of  the  old-time  warriors  will  be 
as  other  Americans,  differentiated  perhaps  by  here  anil  there  features 
which  recall  the  base  reliefs  in  the  capitol  at  Washington,  or  a  dusky 
pigmentation  dating  bach  to  the  days  when  the  Red  .Man  had  do  adequate 
protection  from  the  onslaught  of  the  cold  of  winter  or  the  heat  of 
summer. 


CIIAl'TER  III 
EARL'S  SETTLERS  AND  SETTLEMENTS 

FRONTIERSMEN       PRIMITIVE   CONDITIONS — THE   NEW   HOME — EARLY    ROADS — 
EARLY  MILLS — PASTIMES — FIRST  RECORDED  SETTLERS — PREVENTING  CLAIM 

.11    \IPIN(i  -      PIONEER  CONDITIONS  OLD  SETTLERS'   ASSOCIATION  RE- 

DNIONS — PIONEER  SETTLERS. 

FRONTIERSMEN 

The  history  of  each  comity  of  every  state  has  its  own  distinguishing 
features,  hut  there  are  certain  facts  common  to  all  of  them.  Before  any 
permanent  settlements  could  he  made,  explorations  had  to  he  set  on  foot 
by    those    fitted    by    nature    and    training    for    such    arduous    work,    and 

from  the  reports  brought  back  by  them,  those  seeking  new  homes  made 
their  decisions.  The  hardy  frontiersmen  who  traveled  at  different  periods 
over  the  fertile  prairies  now  included  in  McIIenry  County,  brought  hack 
glowing  accounts  of  the  advantages  to  be  had  in  this  section  of  Illinois 
territory,  hut  owing  to  Indian  disturbances,  no  permanent  settlements 
were  made  here  until  1S:!4.  As  soon  as  it  was  found  that  settlers  could 
come  here  with  impunity,  others  Hocked  to  get  a  title  to  some  of  the 
land  the  more  foresiirhted  saw  soon  would  be  very  valuable,  and  the 
results  prove  that  they  knew  their  business  thoroughly. 

PRIMITIVE    CONDITIONS 

No  one  of  this  generation  has  any  conception  of  the  conditions  pre- 
vailing when  the  pioneers  entered  what  was  to  become  one  of  the  most 
important  divisions  of  the  state.  At  that  time  there  were  no  railroads, 
and  travel  on  the  rivers,  canals  and  t he  lakes  was  slow  and  expensive. 
For  this  reason,  many  preferred  to  load  1  heir  possessions  into  a  covered 
wagon,  drawn  either  by  horses  or  oxen,  and  travel  across  country,  driv- 
ing their  stock  before  them.  There  were  no  conveniences  then  along  the 
way.  When  oighl  came,  the  hardy  emigrants  camped  by  the  wayside, 
having  to  depend  upon  their  scanty  stores  for  food,  although  occasionally 

•-'7 


BISTORT?  OF  McHENRY  COUNT'S 

the  men  Eolka  were  able  to  bring  down  birds  or  game  of  Bome  kind.  If 
the  time  could  be  spared,  Bome  nimrod  sough!  an  addition  to  the  food 
supply  in  the  numerous  streams,  but  those  were  times  thai  would  bav< 

delighted  Mr.  Boi  ainrj  E I  conservation  was  practiced,  and 

there  w;is  no  waste  of  any  kind.  It  was  a  period  when  only  the  tit 
survived,  as  the  records  show.  Many  of  little  lit'''  Manic  flickered  and 
went  oul  on  the  long  journey  Erom  the  old  bome  to  the  new.  and  more 
than  cur  aged  person  found  lit'''  too  difficult,  and  bo  laid  <l<>\\ o  its  burdens, 
and  made  the  wayside  a  permanent  abiding  place  until  summoned  by 
the  last  call  upon  judgment  day. 

the  \i:\\    SOME 

When  the  journey  was  over  with  all  it-,  dangers  and  hardships,  the 
wagon  that  had  been  the  family  shelter  for  so  many  weary  weeks,  brought 
to  a  standstill,  and  the  household  g Is  covered  with  a  makeshift  shelter 

on  the  land  selected  for  the  claim,  the  difficulties  hail  ..nly  commenced. 
The  fund,  brought  in  the  wagon  naturally  ran  low.  and  until  a  crop 
could  he  put  in.  the  pioneers  had  to  depend  chiefly  mi  what  could  he 
garnered   from  the  woods  and   streams,      Fortunately   nearly   all   of  them 

knew  the  value  of  wild  growths  and  could  find  palatable  and  nourish- 
ing foods  in  what  their  great-grandchildren  would  consider  weeds.  It 
was  not  lon<_',  of  course  licfore  the  cnertretie  settlers  had  crops  and  from 
them  ground  their  own  meal,  and  made  their  own  products.  The  homes 
of  the  pioneers  were  crudely  fashioned  from  rough  loirs,  and  the  furni- 
ture was  homemade.  Class  was  a  luxury,  and  stoves  unknown.  Cloth- 
ing was  made  from  cloth  woven  from  flax  and  wool  spun  and  carded 
by  the  women,  and  all  of  the  stockings  and  sox  were  knit  by  them.  The 
women  generally  planted  and  took  care  of  the  gardens;  they  made  medi- 
cines from  berries  and  roots,  and  in  the  very  earliest  days  had  to  minister 
t,,  and  nurse  the  sick.  The  men  cut  down  the  forest  growths,  -rubbed 
out  the  stumps,  and  then  plowed  the  land  and  planted  the  crops.  They 
also  hunted  and  fished,  for  in  those  days  stock  was  too  valuable  to  be 
killed  to  furnish  meat,  and  when  wild  game  was  plentiful,  the  pioneers 
did  not  suffer. 

EARLY  ROADS 

Of  course  at  lirst  there  were  no  roads  of  any  kind,  save  the  dim 
Indian  trails.     As  settlements  increased,  however,  of  course  the  pioneers 


BISTORT  OF  M(  IIKXUY   (  OUNTY  29 

made  trails  of  their  own,  as  convenience  <>r  preference  suggested,  and 
in  time  some  of  these  were  developed  into  well  defined  roads.  In  the 
early  days  all  travel  was  done  on  horseback  or  in  the  wagons  of  the 
periods.  Carriages  and  buggies  were  unknown,  and  it  was  many  years 
after  the  firsl  settlers  of  McHenry  County  had  Located  there  before  the 
railroads  were  built. 

KAKI.V     MILLS 

The  first  settlers  had  to  grind  their  own  meal,  bul  it  was  nut  long 
after  the  pioneers  had  assembled  before  one  and  then  others,  erected 
crude  horse-mills,  and  later  water  ones  by  means  of  which  a  certain 
amount  of  service  could  be  secured,  although  the  process  was  tedious 
and  the  trip  a  long  one  Eor  si. me  who  Lived  far  distant  from  the  nearest 
of  these  mills.  Going  to  mill  was  quite  a  journey  in  those  days,  and 
the  grain  was  carried  in  saddle  bags  en  horseback,  and  the  meal  taken 
back  in  the  same  way. 

PASTIMES 

It  must  lint  he1  thought,  however,  that  because  there  was  plenty  of 
hard  work  and  hardships,  that  the  pioneers  failed  to  enjoy  themselves. 
for  they  had  their  dancing  and  games,  their  spelling  matches  ami 
singing  schools,  their  barn  and  house  raisings,  their  apple-parings  and 
quilting  bees.    Whenever  a  religious  teacher  could  ho  found,  there  were 

services  either  in  the  homes  or  at  the  log  schoolhouses.  and  1 ause  of 

their  scarcity,  these  meetings  were  all  the  more  appreciated.  No  weather 

was  severe  enough  In  keep  any  of  the  pioneers  away  fnuu  a  "  prcach- 
ing."  They  were  kind-hearted,  generous  and  sympathetic,  always  will- 
in--  to  lend  a  hand  or  listen  to  a  tale  of  woe,  and  the  advice  given  was 
generally  sound  and,  always  well  meant.  The  pioneer  has  passed,  but 
his  influence  lives  on  in  the  lives  of  the  community  his  foresighl  and 
persistent    hard   work  established. 

FIRST  RECORDED  SETTLERS 

James  Gillilan  came  to  what  is  now  Algonquin  Township  in  No- 
vember, 1834,  bringing  his  family  with  him  from  West  Virginia,  and  he 
was  the  first  to  locate  here  permanently.  .Mrs.  (iillilan  was  the  tirst 
white  woman  in  .McHenry  County.     In  18.'!.").  two  settlements  were  made 


30  BISTORT  OF  M<  IIKN1IY  COUNTY 

in  this  county,  one  known  as  The  Virginia  Colony,  located  in  wluit  is 
now  the  eastern  portion  of  Dorr  Township;  and  The  Pleasanl  Gt 
Colony,  located  on  the  presenl  site  of  Marengo.  Those  in  the  latter 
tlemenl  were  as  follows:  Oliver  Chatfield,  Calvin  Spencer,  Porter 
Chatfield,  Rnssel  Diggins,  Richard  Simpkins  and  Moody  B.  Bailey. 
The  settlers  of  the  Virginia  Colony  were  as  follows:  James  Duffield, 
Christopher  Walkup,  Josiah  Walkup,  William  Hartman,  John  Gibson, 
John  McClure  and  Samuel  Gillian,  nil  of  whom  came  in  1835. 

PREVENTING    (I. AIM    .11   MP1NG 

Sunn  after  the  organization  of  McHenry  County,  immigration  set 
in  at  a  wonderful  rapid  rate.  Men  came  in  on  foot,  on  horseback,  with 
horse-teams  and  more  with  ox-teams.  Bui  as  the  government  surveyor 
had  nut  yet  made  his  appearance,  each  man  could  only  choose  prairie 

or  timber  solely,  stake  out  his  ••claim"  or  plow  around  it  it'  he  had  a 
plow  to  do  with,  put  up  his  cabin  and  consider  himself  at  home.  Ae- 
din-    to    Benry   Clay   the   whole   mass   formed   "a   lawless   hand   of 

Iters." 

The  human  disposition  being  the  Bame  then  as  qow,  it  became 
necessary  to  provide  some  mode  of  proving  and  recording  those  claims 
as  a  security  against  those  disposed  to  "jump."  A< rdingly  the  set- 
tlers formed  themselves  into  an  association  for  mutual  protection  organ- 
izing a  sort  of  "court  of  claims."  In  pursuance  of  this  object  the 
territory  was  divided  into  "claim  districts." 

Each  district  was  then  subdivided  into  subdistricts  in  each  of 
which  three  commissioners  were  appointed  to  record  claims  and  hear 
and  determine  all  contests  in  that  regard.  These  claims  when  recorded 
became  evidence  of  title.  It  does  not  appear  that  the  claim  commis- 
sioners had  much  to  do  with  what  is  now  McHenry  County,  hut  so  well 
did  they  perform  their  duty  in  the  Lake  precincts  that  hut  Little  trouble 
arose  and  what  did.  was  easily  and  quietly  adjusted.  The  survey  of 
the  land  comprised  in  the  county  proceeded  from  the  Third  principal 
meridian  eastward  reaching  the  west  range  5  in  1838  and  finishing  Lake 
County  four  years  later  when  these  courts  of  claims  being  no  longer 
needed,  ceased  to  exist. 

These  emigrants  were  a  neighborly  set.  coming  as  they  sometimes  did 
in  strings  of  from  six  to  eighl  covered  wagons,  the  inmates  of  which 
were  seeking  to  better  their  condition  by  putting  to  some  use  the  im- 
mense waste  of  timber  and  prairie  stretching  away  on  every  side  as  far 


BISTORT  OF  Mi  IIKXKY  COUNTY  31 

as  the  range  of  human  vision.    The  trouble  of  choice  was  increased  by 

the  extent  of  inn  iccupied.  hea  lit  i  fill  country,  still  they  enul.l  QOt  wand.-r 
<>n  forever;  they  must  have  land,  water  and  timber  the  last  all   important 

to  them,  as  the  tirst  thing  to  be  provided  was  shelter.  The  spoi  having 
been  selected  and  claim  satisfactorily  adjusted,  they  formed  themselves 
into  a  co-operative  society  for  the  purpose  of  housebuilding,  putting 

up  the  tirst   house  for  the  one  who  seemed  to  them  to  stand  the   most    in 

need  of  shelter.  Thus  all  in  a  short  time  were  provided  with  surh  dwell- 
ings as  the  materials  at  hand  afforded. 

PIONEER  CONDITIONS 

Mills,  log  schoolhouses  and  villages  soon  made  their  appearance 
and  if  unlike  in  thai  respeet,  to  those  who  in  December,  L620,  left  the 
.Mayflower  for  the  bleak  coasl  of  New  England,  they  brought  no  min- 
ister with  them,  that  necessary  element  of  organized  society,  was  not 
long  behind  the  forerunners  of  civilization,  and  preaching  in  barns, 
school  and  private  houses  was  done  to  audiences  more  attentive,  if  less 
fashionable  than  now.  These  itinerant  ministers  found  beneath  every 
"shake"  roof  a  hearty  welcome  to  the  table  and  a  no  less  hearty  one  to 
the  "shakedown"  for  the  night,  unless  the  host  provided  with  that 
rarity  in  those  days,  a  spare  bed. 

The  rate  of  taxation  for  the  early  settlers  was  one  percent  on  the 
following  schedule:  slaves,  or  indentured,  or  registered  negroes  or 
mulatto   servants,   stock    in    trade,    horses,   mules,   asses,    and    neat    cattle 

above  three  years  of  age,  swine,  lumber,  and  one  horse  wagons,  clocks, 
watches,  etc..  hut  none  was  levied  on  hank  or  railroad  stock,  piano  or 
silverware.     The  tax  of  1  S:;7  for  this  county  realized  $370.8(5. 

Among  the  curiosities  of  ancient  legislation  is  a  tavern  license  of 
1837,  costing  eight  dollars.  So  that  the  landlord  mighl  not  swindle 
his  thirsty  customers,  the  board  established  the  following  prices  for 
liquors:  brandy,  rum  or  gin,  pints.  25  cents;  wine,  37i/2  cents;  whisky, 
1  u '  - ;  beer  or  cider  the  same  meals,  ;iiy2  cents;  lodgings,  12y2  cents; 
while  a  span  of  horses  could  chew  hay  all  night  for  25  cents. 

old  settler's  association 

Not  until  18G8  was  there  any  successful  effort  at  organizing  an  old 
settler's  or  pioneer's  society  in  this  part  of  the  state.  Indeed  it  is 
singular  that  with  the  class  of  American-born  people  who  settled  this 


32  BISTORT  OF  M<  BENR?   COUNTY 

county  thai  such  a  society  was  nol  formed  long  before  1868.  And 
thru  it  was  combined  with  Lake  County.  The  original  meeting  was 
at  Libertyville,  Lake  County.  The  committee  in  charge  decided  thai 
there  should  be  held  in  McHenry,  Wednesday,  September  s.  1869,  a 
reunion  of  the  old  settlers  of  the  two  counties.  This  meeting  was  held 
and  of  it  the  Woodstock  Sentinel  said  the  nexl   week:     "The  largest 

assemblage  of  i pie  thai   had  ever  assembled   in    McHenry   County, 

entirely  exceeding  the  must  sanguine  expectations  of  its  originators,  and 

astonishing  all  presenl  by  the  brilliantly  si essful  manner  in  which  all 

the  arrangements  were  conceived  and  carried  out. 

"The  officers  of  the  meeting  wen':  William  M.  Jackson,  president; 
II.  \.  Owen,  secretary;  J.  II.  Johnson,  marshal,  and  George  Q 
orator.  Four  hands  of  music  were  in  attendance.  The  meeting  was 
called  tn  order  and  a  song,  '  Way  Out  West,'  very  effectively  sung.  Hon. 
George  Gage  delivered  an  eloquenl  oration,  treating  of  the  history  and 
the  pioneer  life  of  the  counties  of  Lake  and  McHenry. 

•'At  ihr  end  of  the  oration,  the  audience  partook  of  two  barbecued 
oxen   and  other  lighi   refreshments.     Toasts   were  offered   and  several 

short,  witty  and  at   times  very  pathetic  s| Ins  were  made." 

On  Oetoher  II.  1875,  the  pioneers  of  these  two  counties  held  a 
reunion  at  McHenry.  The  officers  that  season  were:  William  A.  Mc- 
Connell,  president ;  Charles  II.  Bartlett,  Nelson  Landing  and  E.  Gridley, 
vice-presidents  I'm'  Lake  County;  B.  (i.  Ayer,  George  <ia'_rr.  X.  Donnelly, 
vice-presidents  for  McHenry  County.  J.  II.  Johnson  was  marshal  and 
that  celebrated  Illinois  character — Hon.  John  Went  worth.  "Long  John," 
delivered  the  address.  Several  hands  of  music  were  present;  the  crowd 
was  large,  hut  a  rain  set  in  and  this  marred  the  occasion,  'fee  exercises 
closed  with  a  hall  at  the  Riverside  Hntel  in  the  evening. 

No  regular  organization  had  been  effected,  however,  until  .May  in. 
187(i.  when  at  a  meeting  held  at  McHenry  village  the  old  Settlers 
Association  of  McHenry  and  Lake  counties  was  organized  and  adopted 
a  constitution. 

The  second  reunion  was  held  at  McHenry.  June  14.  1^77. 

The  m\t  meeting  was  held  dune  13.  1>7S,  on  the  Fair  Grounds  at 
Woodstock.  There  were  fully  5,000  people  present.  The  reunion  was 
opened  by  singing  the  Star  Spangled  Banner.  Rev.  R.  K.  Todd  offered 
the  prayer.  The  address  was  by  Joel  H.  Johnson,  hut  the  oration  of  the 
day  was  by  Hon.  John  P.  Pamsworth.  Other  speakers  were  B.  W.  Ray- 
mond and  Judge  Morrison  of  Chicago.  Mrs.  Margaret  Gillian,  the  first 
white  woman  who  came  to  this  county,  was  present,  and   naturally  re- 


1^ : 

V         1 

■Kk'                               ^v 

7a-u^t-6iA.  f^wb*^uj(L{j 


UlsTiiUY  OF   MrllKXKV  COUNTY 

ceived  much  attention.     A  ball  game  and  an  evening  danc< nelnded 

the  exercises. 

On  February  L'(i.  ls.sii.  oflicers  were  elected  Eor  the  ensuing  year  and 
the  reunion  thai  season  was  held  at  Wauconda. 

On   September  li.    1883,   the   reunion    was   held,  at    Melleiiry   and    was 

a  grand  success.  An  original  poem  composed  £or  the  occasion  by  Peter 
(JotV,  of  Chicago,  was  presented  but  qo1  read  on  accounl  of  the  time 
being  short. 

The  ninth  annual  reunion  and  picnic  of  the  Association  was  held 
at  Slausscr's  Park,  Hainesville,  August  21,  1884.  Hon.  L.  L.  .Mills, 
state's  Attorney  from  Cools  County,  was  the  chief  speaker.     Portions 

of  his  address,  all  so  full  of  true  sentiment,  must  here  find  space  for 
they  will  interest  the  present-day  reader  of  local  history,  even  as  it 
will  those  yet  unborn.  While  it  has  been  said  that  "History  Repeats 
Itself,"  this  is  not  true  in  the  instance  of  pioneer  life,  for  remember  there 
is  but  one  set  of  pioneers  or  first  settlers  in  any  given  community,  hence 
let  us  recall  the  beautiful  words  of  the  speaker  as  they  fell  from  his 
lips  on  thai  hot  day  in  August,  thirty-live  years  ago: 

"Fifty  years  ago  this  was  a  wilderness,  without  roads,  except  In- 
dian trails;  with  forests  deep  and  dark;  with  prairies  of  tall  grass;  with 
only  jealous  savages  to  welcome,  and  a  cabin  of  logs  for  the  home  of 
the  immigrant.  Here,  then,  came  and  began  this  intense  history  of 
development,  the  young  pioneer.  lie  had  journeyed  from  the  rock- 
bound  coast  of  New  England,  or  neighboring  places;  his  conveyance  was 
a  rude  wagon;  his  companions,  the  young  wife  and  prattling  babe; 
his  weapon  of  defense,  the  implement  of  his  industry,  the  ax  with  the 
honest    blade. 

"Every  age  has  its  ty] f  maul d;  the  ancient  sculptured  beauty 

and  the  philosopher;  the  .Middle  Ages  painted  the  battles  of  rival  coun- 
tries and  placed  their  heromaking  art  in  the  gallery  of  time.  The 
hero  of  the  nineteenth  century  is  the  pioneer.  He  seeks  discovery  all 
round  the  world.  He  is  Livingstone  in  Africa,  the  Arctic  explorer, 
foolish  or  wise  in  the  enthusiasm  of  his  time,  facing  the  freezing  storm 
to  find  the  open  sea;  above  all.  he  is  tin'  sturdy  youth  who  cleaves  the 
forests,   wins   lands   waiting    with    fertility,   builds   towns   and   cities   ami 

creates  States. 

"The  "Id  settlers  of  Illinois  are  of  the  class  whose  type  is  the  heroism 
of  the  age.     They  laid  the  foundation  of  the  State.     Their  spirit   and  toil 

in ven  now  can  know;  the  Western  wilds  of  half  a  century  ago  are 

beyond  our  horizon;  the   Indian  almost  seems  like  a  figure  in  a   romance; 


34  BISTORT?  OF  M<  IIKXKV  COUNT? 

i!  log  cabin  is  supplanted;  the  as  and  the  plow  arc  minor  implements 
compared  with  recenl  inventions.  The  vicissitudes  of  the  pioneer,  his 
hardship  in  foresl  and  field,  his  unfailing  pluck  and  s j > i i- i t  and  his  in- 
domitable will  and  industry  arc  a  heritage  for  youth  and  an  inspiration 
for  the  generations  hereafter. 

"It  is  well  that  we  met  these  pioneers;  they  teach  u<  a  thousand 
lessons.  They  were  brave  enough  for  Western  wilds,  persistenl  enough 
to  make  long  and  wearisome  and  dangerous  journeys  through  a  strange 
land  and  to  a  strange  destination.  They  had  the  breadth  of  vision  to 
know  the  limitless  possibilities  of  the  West,  the  spit-it  to  develop  them  and 
the  courage  and  persistence  of  success. 

■•From  this  beautiful  place  in  nature  they  look  abroad  today.  Every 
eye  is  clear  to  see  the  -rand  result-  great,  wide-spreading  farms,  with 

homes  of  comforl  ;  barns  Idled  with  cattle,  and  granaries  accusl d  to 

splendid  harvests;  the  dark  woods  made  beautiful  for  pastures;  the  school 
house  in  every  hamlet  and  the  church  beckoning  the  hearts  of  men  to 
higher  things.  , 

•"The  enjoyment  of  the  old  settlers  is  an  inspiration  to  the  young. 
By  toil  and  bravery  and  manly  character  they  won  this  day  and  have  the 
right  to  claim  its  triumph.  To  us  the  lesson  comes  that  enterprise  is  the 
true  spirit  of  the  times,  bravery  the  honoring  characteristic  of  the  Amer- 
ican, patient  industry  the  foundation  of  his  success,  and  the  school  and 
the  church  the  climax  of  his  civilization.  In  the  atmosphere  of  this  cele- 
bration we  learn  that  there  is  no  maxim  higher  than  manhood,  no  adage 
superior  to  industry  and  courage,  and  no  success  greater  than  a  emu 
munity  composed  of  men  and  women  who  love  labor,  ereel  homes,  and  in 
law  and  peace  are  friends  together  under  the  protecting  guidance  of  re- 
ligious sentiments. 

"To  Lake  and  McHenry  counties  we  may  say  your  beginnings  were 
made  by  splendid  men.  your  woods  were  hewed  by  their  industrious  for- 
estry, your  fields  were  tilled  and  made  fallow  for  the  future  by  their 
toil,  your  schools  and  churches  were  builded  by  their  sentiments. 

"And  in  all  the  story  of  this  magnificent  growth  no  fact  is  a  greater 
continuation  of  the  pioneers  endeavors  than  the  patriotism  of  these  coun- 
ties. How  many  hundreds  rushed  to  the  defense  of  the  flag  in  those  sad 
days  when  the  nation's  life  was  threatened/  Regiments  went  forth  from 
Lake  and  McHenry  counties,  and  in  them  today  there  is  not  a  graveyard 
where  a  soldier  does  not  lie.  dead  from  his  country's  battle.  There  is 
scarcely  a  home  from  Waukegan  to  the  western  limits  of  McHenry  county 
that  docs  not  mourn  a  boy  or  man  who  died  for  his  nation. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTS 


35 


"Thus  the  spirit  of  the  pioneer  expressed  itself  in  t lie  heart  of  the 
patriotic  son;  ami  the  sentiment  of  the  ax  ami  plow  in  the  early  ad- 
vances of  the  tirst  settlers,  to  make  the  state,  was  proclaimed  again  by  the 
voices  ami  sustained  |>y  the  stout  arms  of  the  farmer  hoys  who  Eoughl  for 

and  saved   the   nation." 


PIOXEEK   SI. I  II  KKS   OF    Ml'llKMiV    COCVTV 


From  the  secretary's  book  of  the 
the  subjoined  list  of  names  indicates 
with  the  date  of  their  coming  to  this 

A.  Carmack   1831 

.1.   II.  Giddings 1832 

Allen  Sisson   1833 

.1.   \Y.   Salisbury 1833 

Richard  Gillian   1834 

Adam    Musgrove    1834 

P.  Diggins 1835 

A.  \V.  Beardsley ■ 1835 

A     II.    Ilanley    1836 

Susan    Ilanley    1836 

Q ge  Gage    1836 

.Mrs.  M.  P.  Gage   1836 

K.  A.  Beers 1836 

Esther  M.  Beers 1S36 

Samuel  II.  Walker 1836 

.Mark    Ilieoek    1836 

Mrs.   B.   II.  Ilieoek 1836 

Job   Toles    1836 

Samantha  Toles 1836 

W.  II.  Huffman 1836 

.Mary  s.  Huffman  1836 

Joel  II.  Johnson  1836 

Alvin  .In.ld   1836 

H.  D.  Judd  1836 

Wm.  A.  McConneU  1836 

Neil!    Donnelly    1838 

John  F.  Huffman  1838 

E.  W.  Smith   1838 

E.  M.  Owen 1838 


Old  Settlers'  Association  in  1884, 
i  In-  county  'a  firs!  settlers,  together 
county : 

S.  T.  Eldridge 1838 

C.  0.  Parsons 1S38 

.John  Snowden   1839 

D.  E.   Marrows   1839 

T.  J.  Richards 1839 

Rebecca   Howard    1839 

('.  Hastings 1839 

(>.  W.Owen 1840 

William   .Moore 1841 

('.  Rhodes 1842 

('.  M.  Pendleton 1842 

Henry  Drake    1843 

I..   M.  Woodard   1843 

C.  Ii.  Brown   1844 

.Martin  Metcalf 1844 

Rev.  R.  K.  Todd 1847 

Harriet  Owen 1848 

('.  Kuhnert   1848 

Win.  Ilntson   1849 

Peter  Whitney   1849 

John  M.  Crane 1850 

Russell   Diggins   1836 

T.  s.  Carr 1836 

J.  M.  Kimball 1837 

J.  F.  Moore 1837 

W.  Whittemore   1837 

Lewis  Hatch  1837 

S.  S.  Chappell   1837 

C.  II.  Trvon   1837 


■M  BISTORT  OF  M<  BENRY  COUNTY 

James  B.  Church  1851     Erastus  Richards 1852 

Russell  Digging 18">1     Sheldon  Colyer 1857 

E    B    Richards  L852 

Of  recenl  years  other  matters  seem  to  have  crowded  in  upon  the 
minds  and  actions  of  the  old  pioneer  band  which  used  to  gather  annually 
,it  these  old  settlers'  gatherings,  and  no  meetings  have  been  held,  which 
is  a  matter  of  regrel  to  many. 


CHAPTBB  IV 
I, AND  TITLES 
Bv  George  \Y.  Lemmers 

ORIGINAL     OWNERS      PECULIAR     INSTANCES — ORIGINAL     DOCUMENTS — EARL? 

HEEDS 

ORIGINAL  OWNERS 

That  the  most  of  the  land  in  McIIenry  County  was  originally  taken 
up  from  the  government  by  speculators,  is  a  statement  that  can  easily 

be  verified  by  the  records  of  the  county.  Of  course  there  were  settlers 
who  came  here  to  find  homes  in  obedience  to  the  admonition  of  Horace 
Greeley,  "Go  West,  young  man.  go  West."  but  the  large  majority  who 
came  were  either  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  the  adventurer  or  those  who 
saw  in  this  new  Eldorado  the  opportunity  to  acquire  "easy  land"  at  little 
expense. 

PECULIAR  INSTANCES 

Again  there  were  others  who  came  to  the  county  and  to  this  then 
virgin  wilderness  to  escape  the  hand  of  the  law  for  some  trivial  mal- 
feasance in  their  old  homes  or  to  <ret  away  from  matrimonial  entangle- 
ments that  were  irksome  and  unpleasant.  An  instance  of  this  latter  kind 
is  found  in  the  case  of  William  Walmsley,  who  came  to  McHenry  County 
sometime  during  the  year   1845,   from  the  State  of  New   Fork,   and   who 

purchased  from  the  government  and  from  individuals  600  acres  of  land. 
said  land  being  that  now  owned  by  Helen  L.  Beach  in  section  '_'!),  township 
11.  range  !)  east,  in  the  township  of  Nunda;  that  now  owned  by  Louvain 
A.  Werden  in  the  same  section  of  the  same  township;  that  now  owned  by 
Gilbert  .1.  Baillergeon  in  section  •'!_,  of  the  same  township;  that  now 
Owned  by  John  Lenzen  in  the  same  section  of  Burton  Township,  now 
owned  by  Delbert  A.  Whiting  and  Julius  D.  Smith  in  section  16,  of 
BIcHenrj    Township;  and  that  owned  by  Frank  L.  Wattles  in  section  28 

37 


38  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

of  the  same  township.  Walmsley  died,  April  24,  l-7t.  having  in  the 
meantime  sold  ;ill  said  land  to  various  persons.  During  all  of  the  years 
thai  Walmsley  lived  in  this  county,  near  the  village  of  McHenry,  he 
posed  and  was  accepted  as  a  single  man,  and  no  one  ever  bus] ted  any- 
thing to  the  contrary,  not  knowing  that  he  had  ever  1 n  married;  but 

September  7.  1874,  twenty-nine  years  after  Walmsley's  arrival  in  the 
county,  one  Harty  Walmslej  tiled  hill-  for  dower  against  all  of  the  then 
owners  of  the  land,  claiming  that  she  hail  married  William  Walmsley 
November  5,  1828,  in  the  town  of  Fariiiimj/iou,  <  >ntario  I  lounty,  X.  Y..  and 
that  they  had  lived  together  several  years  after  such  marriage,  she  mad. 
out  such  a  strong  ease  thai  most  of  the  parties  who  were  sued  settled  with 
her  by  paying  certain  agr 1  sums  of  money  and  she  gave  them  quit- 
claim   deeds.      Two    of    the    parties,    however,    dragged    the    eases    along 

through  court  until  finally  Harty  Walmsley.  who  was  then  seventy-five 

years  old  when  the  rases  were  filed,  passed  away,  and  of  course  her  cause 
for  action  died  with  her,  as  no  one  could  inherit   her  dower. 

The  only  oi  In]-  thing  worthy  of  note,  or  to  which  any  romance  attaches, 
iii  regard  to  McHenry  County  titles  is  all  set  forth  in  the  accompanying 
review  of  abstract  sheets  which  atl'eet  about  1,000  acres  of  land  in  Mc- 
Henry County  and  also  in  Boone  ami  Winnebago,  jusl  over  the  county 
lines.  A  word  painter  might  build  quite  a  story  around  the  fact  that 
this  man.  William  Taylor,  was  sent  to  the  country  from  Scotland  to  buy 
land    and    died    here   after    many    peculiar   experiences. 

The  language  of  the  documents  left  in  the  recorder's  office  of  Mc- 
Henry County  coiieernin'_r  this  man  is  so  peculiar  and  so  expressive  that 

it  would  he  much  more  interesting  to  quote  it  in  toto  than  for  the  writer 

to  attempt  to  make  a  story  of  his  own,  and  we  uive  it  literally  a>  to  spell 
i 1 1 vr.  punctuation,  capitalization,  etc.     The  first  document  hares  no  date  of 
execution,  hut  is  a  power-of  attorney  given  by  David  Chalmers,  William 

Little.jnhn.  (I -ire  Veates,  Robert  Catto,  l'eter  Williamson.  Alex  Fouler- 

tun.  Alexander  Smith,  Charles  Chalmers,  and  Nathaniel  Fanplhar  to  one 
Alexander  Ferguson  to  ad  as  the  agent  for  what  was  known  as  the  North 
American  Investment  and  Loan  Company,  of  which  they  were  the  direc 

tors.     Tile  said   power  of  attorney  reads  as  follows: 

"Whereas  by  a  certain  contract  in  writing,  bearing  date  the  8th  and 
10th  of  May  A.  1).  ISMIt.  between  (parties  of  the  firsl  part  a-  named 
above),  and  William  Taylor,  who  has  since  deceased,  of  the  other  part, 
it    was  agreed  by  and   between  the  said   parties.  amongSl    other  thini.'-,   as 

follows:  'That  the  Directors  of  said  company  having  engaged  the  said 
William  Taylor  as  Manager  of  the  Company's  business  in   America   for 


BISTORT  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  39 

the  term  of  five  years  Erom  and  after  the  first  day  of  June  aerl  in  this 
presenl  year,  the  said  William  Taylor  binds  and  obliges  himself  to  pro- 
ceed  to  the  United  States  of  America  and  to  leave  tins  country  for  thai 
purpose  on  or  before  the  tirst  day  of  June  next  in  this  presenl  year  and 
tn  continue  in  the  service  of  said  Company  a1  Buch  places  in  North 
America  as  the  Directors  may  from  time  to  time  appoint  for  the  period 
of  five  full  and  complete  years  Erom  and  after  thai  date,  during 
which  said  space  the  said  William  Taylor  hinds  and  obliges  himself 
faithfully  and  honestly  to  act  in  the  capacity  of  Manager  aforesaid  in 
conducting  the  business  of  the  Company  and  in  the  following  Eortfa  to  the 
best  of  his  ability  the  whole  objects  thereof  as  expressed  in  this  contracl 
of  eo-partneiy.  declaring  thai  the  said  William  Taylor  shall  invest  the 
sum  of  Two  Thousand  Pounds  Sterling  in  the  original  Capital  Stock  of 
the  Said  stock  Company  and  shall  subscribe  the  contracl  of  co-partnery 
thereof  with  all  convenient  speed,  it  beinjjc  understood  that  the  said 
William  Taylor  shall  he  entitled  to  have  stock  of  the  ahove  amount  as- 
signed to  him  by  the  Directors  out  of  the  shares  reserved  by  the  Contract 
and  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Directors  and  this  without  paying  any 
premium  upon  the  same  and  further  declaring  that  as  it  is  in  the  mean- 
time intended  that  the  investment  of  the  Company's  funds  in  America 
are  to  be  made  in  the  name  of  the  Managers  and  Accountant  jointly  and 
the  survivor  of  them,  the  said  William  Taylor  hereby  hinds  and  obliges 
himself,  his  heirs,  executors  and  successors,  whomsoever,  without  preju- 
dice to  his  engagement  as  Manager  aforesaid  for  the  above  mentioned 
period  of  five  years  instantly  to  divest  himself  of  the  whole  or  any  part 
of  the  Company's  property  when  required  by  the  Directors  so  to  do  and 
to  convey  and  transfer  the  same  to  any  person  or  persons  who  may  be 
appointed  by  the  Directors  of  the  said  Company  that  purpose  and  to 
that  vnd  the  said  William  Taylor  hereby  assigns,  transfers,  conveys,  makes 
over  to  and  in  favor  of  the  said  Company  for  the  time  being  the  whole 
property  of  whatsoever  description  heritable  and  movable,  real  and  per 
sonal.  which  he  may  afterwards  acquire  in  North  America  as  Manager 
aforesaid;  and  he  hereby  hinds  and  obliges  himself,  and  his  heirs  and 
c\r,-utors  to  grant  all  necessary  deeds  for  fully  vesting  such  property 
in  the  said  Directors  or  in  any  person  they  name  at  any  time  when 
required  by  them  so  to  do,  and  further  declaring  that  the  said  William 
Taylor  in  his  capacity  as  Manager  aforesaid,  shall  at  all  times  and  under 
all  circumstances  he  bound  to  conform  himself  to  the  instructions  of  the 
Directors  in  the  conduct  of  the  Company's  affairs  as  the  same  shall  be 
notified  to  him  through  the  Cashier's  Agents  of  the  Company,  and  further 


111  HISTORY  OF  MoHENBY  COUNTY 

declaring  thai  the  said  William  Taylor  shall  be  bound  with  all  convenient 
speed  upon  his  arrival  in  America,  to  Bell  and  dispose  of  any  property 
which  be  may  at  presenl  possess  in  thai  country,  and  thai  be  shall  not 
be  out  it  If.  1  tn  make  any  fresh  investments,  or  to  enter  into,  or  be  connected 

with  any  transaction  whatsoever  in  business  in  America,  either  in  his 
own  name  or  of  any  person  or  persons  for  his  behoof  and  that  all  invest- 
ments in  America  which  shall  hereafter  be  made  in  bis  nam.'  or  in  the 

names  of  any  other  person  or  persons  for  bis  behoof,  shall  lie  understood 
and  held  to  have  been  made  with  the  funds  and  for  behoof  of  Company. 

And  Whereas,  the  said  William  Taylor,  after  tl xeciition  and  delivery 

of  the  said  Contract  in  writing,  and  in  the  pursuance  thereof,  did  pro- 
ceed to  the  United  States  of  America  and  in  his  capacity  as  .Manager 
and  Agent  as  aforesaid,  and  for  behoof  and  on  account  of  said  Directors 
and  with  the  funds  of  said  Company,  did  purchase  from  the  government 
of  the  United  States  sundry  tracts  or  parcels  of  land,  situated,  lying  and 
being  in  the  State  of  Illinois,  and  described  as  follows:  (Here  follow 
lengthy  descriptions  of  the  lands  referred  to)  "And  whereas  the  titles 
to  the  said  several  tracts  of  land  were  taken  by  the  said  William 
Tayhr  in  his  own  name  and  so  remain  of  record,  and  whereas  the  said 
William  Taylor  has  since  departed  this  life;  therefore  this  indenture 

made  and  entered  into  this day ,  in  the  year  18-14,  between 

the  said  (parties  of  the  first  part  as  named  above),  of  the  one  pari  and 
Alexander  Ferguson  of  the  other  part.  Witnesseth  that  in  consideration 
of  the  premises  and  for  the  further  consideration  of  $100.00  to  the  parties 
of  the  first  pari  in  hand  paid  by  the  parties  of  the  second  part,  the 
receipt  whereof  they  do  hereby  acknowledge,  they,  the  said  parties  of  the 
first  part,  do  by  these  presents  grant,  bargain  and  sell,  conform  and  con- 
vey unto  the  said  party  of  the  second  part,  all  the  right,  title  and  interest 
and  claim,  legral  or  equitable  in  possession,  remainder  or  reversion  of 
them,  the  said  parties  of  the  first  part  in  and  to  the  several  tracts  or 
parcels  of  land  above  described  and  every  part  thereof,  except  to  such 
portion  of  the  same  as  may  have  been  sold,  paid  for  and  conveyed  by 
deed  to  the  parties  so  purchasing  by  the  said  William  Taylor  during  his 
lifetime.  And  they,  the  said  parties  of  the  first  part,  do  by  these  presents, 
in  virtue  of  the  authority  vested  in  them  by  the  Contract  aforesaid, 
require  and  direct  the  executors,  Administrators  or  Heirs  at  law  of  the 
said  William  Taylor,  deceased,  to  convey  to  the  said  Alexander  Ferguson 
with  all  convenient  speed,  whatever  title  legal  or  equitable,  they  or  either 
of  them  shall  have  acquired  to  said  lands  or  any  pari  of  them  from  said 
William  Taylor  be  devise,  descent  or  otherwise:  And  to  that  end.  they. 


(ZUf-r^YK.  Qo^i^v6^ 


HISTORY  OK  McHENRY  COUNT?  41 

the  said  parties  of  the  firsl  part,  do  by  these  presents  constitute  and 
appoinl  tin'  said  Alexander  Ferguson  their  true  and  lawful  agenl  and 
Attorney  in  fact,  to  demand,  sue  for  and  receive  of  and  from  the  Adminis- 
trators, Executors,  and  Heirs  or  other  legal  representatives  of  the  said 

William  Tayl.u-.  deceased.    Hereby  ratifying  and  fully  confirming  whal 
soever  shall  be  lawfully  done  by  the  said  Alexander  Ferguson  in  the 
premises.     In  testimony  whereof  the  said  parties  of  the  first  pari  have 
hereto  set  their  hands  and  affixed  their  seals  at   the  City  of   Aberdeen, 
in  Scotland,  this day  of ,  1844." 

Following  this  comes  the  signatures,  but  none  of  them  conform  to 
the  full  given  names  inscribed  above,  the  difference  easily  being  recog- 
nized in  D.  Chalmers  and  N'athe  Karquhar.  This  document  was  acknowl- 
edged December  31,  1844,  before  Jno.  Braihie,  Provost  and  Chief  Magis- 
trate of  the  City  of  Aberdeen,  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  (under  official 
seal).  • 

Then  follows  a  conveyance  by  commissioner's  deed  which  indicates 
thai  some  litgiation  followed  the  strange  adventures  of  William  Taylor 
in  America  and  we  quote  the  same  as  indicating  the  peculiar  processes 
of  those  early  days  in  Northern  Illinois,  as  well  as  the  peculiar  phrase- 
ology that  prevailed  in  those  times: 

"Deed  recites  that,  whereas  David  Chalmers,  William  Littlejohn, 
George  Yeats,  Robert  Catto,  Peter  Williamson,  Alexander  Fonlerton, 
Alexander  Smith,  Charles  Chalmers  and  Nathan  Farquhar,  as  Directors 
of  the  Aberdeen  North  American  Investment  and  Loan  Company  lately, 
to  wit :  On  the  8th  clay  of  February,  in  the  year  1845,  filed  their  bill  of 
Complaint  on  the  Chancery  side  of  the  said  Circuit  Court  of  Winnebago 
County  against  Isabella  Taylor,  George  Taylor,  William  Primrose, 
and  Elizabeth  Primrose,  his  wife.,  George  Porter  and  Elspet,  his  wife. 
Alexander  Ferguson  and  the  unknown  heirs  and  devisees  of  James 
Duncan,  deceased,  therein  setting  forth,  among  other  things,  that  one 
William  Taylor,  late  of  the  City  of  St  Louis,  deceased,  did  in  his  life- 
time, as  the  agent  of  the  Complainant  in  said  Bill  of  Complaint  named, 
with  the  money  and  for  the  benefit  of  themselves  and  the  said  Company, 
but  in  his  own  name,  purchase  all  the  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  herein- 
after mentioned  and  described  :  That  after  the  purchase  of  the  said 
land  as  aforesaid,  the  said  William  Taylor  died  seized  of  the  legal  title 
of  said  land,  but  as  Trustee  for  the  said  Complainant  as  Directors  of  said 
Company,  as  in  said  Bill  mentioned,  leaving  as  his  heirs  at  law  Isabella 
Taylor.  George  Taylor,  Elizabeth  Primrose,  wife  of  William  Primrose, 
Elspel   Porter,  wife  of  George  Porter;  that  said  William  Taylor  in  his 


12  HISTORY  OF  M«  HENRY  COUNTY 

life  time  by  bis  last  Will  and  Testament,  devised  all  liis  real  estate  to 
Alexander  Ferguson  aforesaid  and  to  James  Duncan,  now  deceased,  but 
thru  i  E  the  City  of  New  Orleans,  in  said  State  of  Louisiana;  thai  after 
the  admission  of  s;i id  Will  to  Probate  the  said  James  Duncan  bad  « 1  i <-•  1 
and  that  the  names  "I"  his  heirs  and  devisees  were  unknown  to  Baid  Com- 
plainants; thai  the  Baid  Complainants  also  therein  praying  that  the  said 

Court  of  Chancery  would  deci the  said  Isabella  Taylor,  Oeogre  Taylor, 

William  Primrose  and  Elizabeth,  his  wife;  George  Porter  and  Elspet, 
his  wife;  Alexander  Ferguson  and  the  unknown  Heirs  and  Devisees  of 
.lame-  Duncan,  deceased,  thai  each  and  every  of  them  to  convey  and 
release  by  Deed  the  said  several  tracts  <>f  land  to  Alexander  Ferguson, 
or  to  such  other  person  or  persons  as  the  said  Complainants  might  at 
the  time  of  making  such  decree  designate  in  trust  for  the  said  Com- 
plainants as  the  Directors  of  the  said  Aberdeen  North  American  In 
ment  and  Lean  Company,  and  for  such  other  and  further  relief  a-  the 
nature  of  the  ease  might  require  and  should  be  agreeable  to  equity  as  in 
and  by  said  Bill  of  Complaint  filed  with  the  clerk  of  said  Court,  on  the 
Chancery  side  thereof,  afterwards  to-wit:  On  the  21st  day  of  April  at 
the  April  term  of  said  Court  in  the  said  year  Is-i."),  such  proceedings 
were  had  that  the  said  Court  by  its  Decree  in  that  behalf  made,  fully 
established  the  said  trusts  in  the  said  William  Taylor  in  his  life  time 
and  after  his  death  in  the  said  Isabella  Taylor.  George  Taylor.  William 
Primrose  and  Elizabeth,  his  wife.  George,  Porter  and    Elspet,  his  wife, 

and  the  unknown  Heirs  and   Devisees  of  James  Duncan,  d ased,  by 

the  "24th  of  April,  aforesaid,  by  good  and  sufficient  Deeds  of  Conveyance, 
to  convey  and  release  to  the  said  Alexander  Ferguson,  in  Trust  for  the 
said  Complainants  in  said  Bill  named,  all  the  right,  title,  interest,  claim 
or  estate  which  they  or  any  of  them  might  have  had  in  or  to  the  here- 
inafter mentioned  and  described  tract  of  land  as  they  were  in  and  by 

said  Decree  required  to  do;  and  whereas,  in  [sequence  of  said  neglect 

the  said  party  of  the  first  pari  hereto,  was  afterwards,  to-wit:  On  the 
26th  day  of  the  month  of  April,  liy  a  further  order  and  decree  of  said 
Courl   in  that  behalf  and  in  pursuance  of  the  Statute  in  eases  made  and 

provided,  appointed  a  Special  Commissioner  to  make,  seal  and  execute 
for  and  in  behalf  of  the  said  Isabella  Taylor,  William  Primrose,  and 
Elizabeth,  his  wife.  George  Porter  and  Elspet,  bis  wife,  and  tin'  tin- 
known  Heirs  and  Devisees  of  the  said  -lames  Duncan,  deceased,  all 
such  releases  and  conveyances  as  might  be  necessary  to  comply  with 
said  Decree,  and  to  vest  in  the  said  Alexander  Ferguson,  all  the 
right,   title  and    interest,   or  estate  of  the  said   Isabella   Taylor.    Wil- 


HISTORY  OF  .MrllKXKV  COUNTY  4:; 

Ham  Primrose  and  Elizabeth,  his  wife,  George  Porter  and  Elspet,  his 
wife,  and  the  unknown  heirs  and  devisees  of  said  James  Duncan,  de- 
ceased, or  which  they  or  either  of  them  had  or  mighl  have  had  to  or  in 
sanl  hereinafter  mentioned  and  described  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  as 
by  the  said  Decrees  remaining  of  record  in  the  Office  of  the  Clerk  of 
said  Court,  reference  being  thereto  had,  will  mure  fully  and  at  large 
appear. 

"Now,  therefore,  the  said  party  of  the  first  part,  by  virtue  of  the 
power  and  authority  granted  and  given  to  him  by  the  said  Decrees  of 
said  Court  as  above  mentioned,  in  pursuance  of  the  Statute  in  such  eases 
provided,  and  in  behalf  of  said  Isabella  Taylor,  George  Taylor,  William 
Primrose  and   Elizabeth,  his  wife,  George,  Porter  and   Elspet,  his  wife, 

and  the  unknown  heirs  and  devisees  of  the  said  .lames  Duncan,  deceased, 

and  I'm-  and  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  $1.00  to  him  in  hand  paid  by 
the  said  party,  granted,  hath  bargained  sold,  alien,  release  and  convey 
unto  the  said  party,  to  him,  and  to  his  heirs  and  assigns,  forever,  all 

tle.se  several  tracts  and  parcels  of  land  in  said  Bill  of  Complaint  and  in 
said  Decree  particularly  mentioned  and  described,  which  are  known, 
designated  and  described  as  follows:"  (Here  follows  description  of  the 
following  additional.) 

"And  also  all  the  estate,  right,  title,  interest,  trust,  property,  claims 
and  demands  whatsoever,  both  at  law  and  at  equity  in  any  manner  what- 
soever accruing  of  the  said  Isabella  Taylor,  George  Taylor,  William 
Primrose,  Elizabeth,  his  wife,  George  Porter  ami  Elspet,  his  wife,  and 

the  unknown  Heirs  and  Devisees  of  .lames  Duncan,  aforesaid  deceased. 
and  of  each  and  every  of  them,  of,  in  and  to,  or  out  of  said  lands,  prem- 
ises, and  hereditaments  and  every  part  and  parcel  thereof.  Provided, 
however,  upon  the  Trusts  by  the  above  mentioned  Decree  in  the  said 
party  of  the  second  part,  fully  established  and  declared  in  favor  of  and 
for  the  benefit  of  the  aforesaid  David  Chalmers.  William  Littlejohn, 
George  Yates.  Robert  Catto,  Peter  Williamson,  Alexander  Smith,  Charles 
Chalmers,  Nathaniel  Parquhar  and  Alexander  Ponlerton  as  Directors  of 
the  aforesaid  Aberdeen  North  American  Investment  and  Loan  Company 
and  upon  such  trusts  as  they  shall  from  time  to  time  direct  and  appoint." 
from  the  above  it  can  be  seen  thai  there  is  abundant  reason  for  the 
numerous  bills  in  chancery  and  bills  to  clear  titles  that  thrice  a  year 
burden  the  columns  of  the  newspapers  of  McHenry  County  and  crowd 
the  docket  of  the  Circuit  Court. 


I  EAPTEB  \' 

ORGANIZATION  A\l)  GOVERNMENT 

B\    William   Dlsmond 

BOUNDARIES  ORIGIN  OF  NAMi:  ANNEXATION  TROUBLES  HISTORIC  rfn  \ 
TION  ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  COUNTS  SELECTION  <>F  COUNT"?  SLAT — 
POP1  LATION — FIRST  ELECTION  ROAD  DISTRICTS  PRECINCTS — PRE(  I 
REFORMED  TOWNSHIP  ORGANIZATION-  REMOVAL  OF  COUNTY  SEAT — 
FIRST  COURTHOUSE — SECOND  COl  RTHOl  SB  PRESENT  COURTHOUSE — PRES- 
ENT JAIL — POOR  FARM— COINTY  JUDGES — SUPERINTENDENT  OF  SCHOOLS 
SHERIFFS—  COUNTS  TREASURERS — COUNTS  CLERKS — CIRCUIT  Ml  RES 
AND  RECORDERS — CORONERS — SURVEYORS — SUPERINTENDEN1  -  OF  POOH — 
STATES  ATTORNEYS — COUNTS  COMMISSIONERS— BOARD  OF  si  PERVISORS — 
NEW  ASSESSMENT  LAW. 

BOUNDARIES 

McHenry  Comity  is  the  second  from  the  eastern  line  of  the  State; 
it  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Wisconsin;  on  the  east  by  Lake  County; 
on  the  south  by  Cook,  DeKalb  and  Kane  counties;  and  on  the  west  by 

I'xione  County.  It  contains  seventeen  civil  townships,  the  total  of  which 
is  620  square  miles. 

ORIGIN    OF    NAME 

McHenry  County  was  named  in  honor  of  Colonel  William  McHenry, 
who  commanded  a  regiment  during  the  Black  Hawk  War.  marching 
through  the  territory  now  comprising  the  county  that  hears  his  name. 
to  join  Genera]  Atkinson  at  Ft.  Atkinson.  Wis.  This  territory  once 
belonged  to  the  (ireat  Xort  Invest  Territory,  established  in  17S7,  and 
while  Wisconsin  was  yet  a  territory  itself,  what  is  now  .McHenry  County, 

with  thirteen  other  Illinois  counties,  desired  to  become  a  part  of  Wis- 
consin. The  account  of  this  affair  will  be  given,  before  taking  up  the 
real  county  organization  ami  government  questions. 

44 


11ISTOKY   OF  .MrllKXKY   COUNT'S  45 

\\M.x  \Tiu\    ti;ui  BLES 

For  more  than  a  dozen  years  before  Wisconsin  was  admitted  into 
the  Union  of  States,  many  of  the  citizens  and  tax-payers  living  in  the 
northern  pari  of  niinois  desired  to  be  annexed  to  Wisconsin,  it  really 
amounted  to  a  movement  of  secession.     In  Eacl  this  feeling  bad  existed 

many   years   back   even    to   the   date   of    Illinois   being   admitted    into    the 

Union  in  1818.    The  storj  of  this  struggle  forms  oi E  the  must  interesl 

Lng  stories  connected  with  the  Commonwealth.  The  final  adjustment 
is  a  perpetual  witness  to  the  prophetic  genius  of  Nathaniel  Pope,  the 
territorial  representative  of  Illinois  in  Congress.     Iii  the  lighl  of  subse 

qui  nl    bistory    it    was   nothing    less   than    genuis    that    enabled    this    man 

alone,  and  unchallenged  to  add  fifty  miles  to  the  northern  boundary  of 
Illinois,  and  thus  make  her  with  her  commercial  metropolis  on  the  lake- 
front  the  keystone  of  the  magnificenl  arch  of  greal  western  states.  As 
a  statesman  and  patriot  Nathaniel  Pope  is  worthy  to  be  placed  at  the 
head  of  the  illustrious  column  which  includes  Lincoln,  Douglas,  Grant, 
Y"ates  and  Logan. 

This  movement   was  widespead   and   the   feeling  at    times  was   in 

tense,  and  even  hitter.  The  war  cry  of  "til'ty-t'our  forty  or  fight"  did 
not  more  thoroughly  arouse  the  enthusiastic'  democracy  over  the  Oregon 
boundary  line  than  did  this  inter  state  controversy  and  kindle  the  sec- 
tional prejudices  of  the  settlers  in  the  disputed  territory.  The  village 
of  Rockford  played  quite  a  prominent  part  in  this  struggle  and  its  in- 
fluence was  fell  as  far  east  as  McIIenry  County,  as  now  described. 
"There  was  broughl  to  light  in  this  city  a  Eew  years  ago  a  copy  of  the 
official  proceedings  of  a  mass-meeting  held  in  Rockford  July  6,  1840. 
This  convention  was  composed  of  delegates  from  the  northern  fourteen 
counties  of  the  state.  Its  purpose  was  secession  from  Illinois  and  an- 
nexation to  the  proposed  new  State  of  Wisconsin.  History  has  never 
fully  explained  the  causes  of  this  movement.  Tradition  alone  has 
interpreted  its  true  animus.  The  apparent  motive  was  a  restoration 
of  the  boundary  line  as  originally  established  between  the  two  states 
tliat  might  be  formed  of  the  territory  north  of  an  east  and  west  line 
running  through  the  southern  bend  of  Lake  Michigan.  This  line,  it 
was  claimed,  had  been  arbitrarily  and  unfairly  extended  fifty  miles  north 
when  Illinois  became  a  State."  (Winnebago  County  History  of  IsSl.i 
The  real  reasons  for  this  movement  were  two.  First,  the  settlers  in 
tin'  northern  and  southern  portions  of  the  state  had  little  or  no  interest 
in   i imoii.      The   northern    portion    was   settled    mostly   by    people    from 


16  BISTORT?  OF  M(  HENRY  COl  NTY 

New   England  and  New  York.    They  were  industrious,  thrifty  and  pro- 

■  hi'.     They  built   low  us  < j  1 1 1 1  cities  as  it'  by  magic.     The  Bouthern 

pari  of  Illinois  was  settled  by  emigrants  from  the  slave-holding  states. 

They  were  generally  poor,  as  the  well-to-do  people  did  nol  emigrate  in 

those  clays  in  our  country's  history.     This  class  of  poor  i pie  came 

to  southern  Illinois  from  slave-holding  states  to  escape  the  limitations 
of  their  Eormer  poverty.  Between  the  i pie  of  the  southern  and  north- 
ern portions  of  the  state  was  a  greal  gulf  fixed.  Each  misunderstood 
the  other.  The  Illinois  and  Michigan  canal  was  opposed  bj  the  people 
of  south, 'i-ii  [llinois  Eor  Eear  Li  would  Hood  the  state  with  Yankees.  This 
conflid  of  interesl  and  opinion  was  a  continuation  of  the  struggle 
tween  the  civilization  of  Plymouth  and  Jamestown.  The  Puritan  and 
the  class  distinctions  of  the  cavalier  had  entered  the  western  arena, 
where  a  few  years  later  Lincoln  and  Douglas  fought  the  historic  battle 
nf  t  In'  century. 

The  second  reason  for  this  sectional  divorcemenl  was  the  desire  of 
the  northern  people  1"  escape  the  burden  of  the  enormous  state  debl  winch 
had  been  created  by  the  gigantic  scheme  of  internal  improvements.  In 
1840  during  Governor  Carlin's  administration,  the  total  debt   of  this 

state  was  $14,666,562.42.     The  treasury   was  bankrupt;   the   revenue  was 

insufficient;  the  | pie  were  unable  to  pay  high  taxes  and  the  state   had 

borrowed  itself  out  of  a  good  credit.  The  state  never  repudiated  its 
debt,  but  simply  could  not  pay  it  at  that  time.  Again,  the  state  had 
little  to  show  for  its  vast   expenditures.     Southern   Illinois  dominated 

the  state,  and  the  people  in  the  sparsely  settled  northern  counties  were 
not  responsible  for  the  creation  of  so  greal  a  -tat.'  debt  hence  naturally 
rebelled,  and   wished  to  be  annexed   to   Wisconsin,   where   taxes   were   not 

nearly  so  greal  a  burden. 

BISTORIC  SITUATION 

In  order  to  fully  understand  the  position  at  the  date  of  the  Rockford 
Convention  in  1840,  it  is  best  to  briefly  refer  to  the  Ordinance  of  the 
Northwest  Territory,  as  adopted  in  17s7.  This  ordinance  provided  Eor 
the  division  of  this  vast  area  for  territorial  purposes,  which  of  course 
had  no  direct  reference  to  present  matters.  It  provided  that  not  more 
than  two  states  should  bi>  formed  from  the  territory  north  of  an  easl 
and  west   line  running  through  the  southerly  bend  of  Lake  Michigan. 

The  public  record  shows  that  in  1818  Illinois  Territory  petitioned 
Congress  for  admission  into  the  Union  on  an  equality  with  the  original 


HISTORY   OP  Mi  IIKXUY   COUNTY  47 

states.  The  petition  defined  the  northern  boundary  of  the  state  in 
accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  Ordinance  of  1787.     When  the 

petiti ame  before  Congress,  Mr.  Pope  was  instructed  by  the  i 

mittee  to  reporl  a  I > i  1 1  in  pursuance  of  the  petition.  Before  the  bill 
became  a  law  it  was  amended  by  the  extension  of  the  boundary  line 
from  the  southerly  bend  of  Lake  Michigan  to  42  degrees  ami  :;n  min- 
utes. Thus  was  added  to  Illinois  a  territory  fifty  miles  from  north  to 
south,  which  now  includes  the  northern  fourteen  counties  of  the  State 
of  Illinois.  These  radical  changes  were  proposed  ami  carried  through 
both  houses  of  Congress  by  .Mr.  Pope,  entirely  on  his  own  persona] 
responsibility.  The  territorial  legislature  had  not  even  petitioned  for 
them,  hut  the  greal  ami  Lasting  advantage  was  so  apparenl  that  the 
action  of  .Mr.  Pope  received  the  unqualified  endorsement  of  the  people. 

When  Wisconsin  began  to  aspire  to  -tatehood,  it  was  upon  the  lan- 
guage of  the  Ordinance  of  1718,  above  quoted,  which  was  declared  a 
compact  to  remain  in  force  forever  unalterable,  that  our  northern  neigh- 
bor based    her  claim    to    the   territory    north    of   the   original    line.      This 

quest] f  boundary  became  an  issue  in  local  politics,  and  it  was  not 

until  1848,  when  Wisconsin  became  a  state,  that  all  the  hope  of  the 
rest, nation  of  the  original  line  was  abandoned. 

Let  it  he  remembered  that  had  it  not  been  for  Nathaniel  Pope, 
Congressman,  succeeding  in  getting  the  boundary  line,  as  given  in  the 
old  Ordinance  of  17S7.  changed  to  take  in  these  fourteen  northern  coun- 
ties of  Illinois,  this  volume  would  necessarily  be  for  a  county  within 
the  State  of  Wisconsin. 

As  has  been  well  said  by  another  historic  writer:  "The  beneficent 
results  arising  from  the  policy  of  Nathaniel  Pope  and  the  failure  of  the 
separatists  are  incalculable.  No  reflections  are  cast  upon  those  who 
desired  separation.  They  acted  from  worthy  motives,  hut  they  failed 
to  foiis,.,'  the  future.  Time  has  shown  their  error  to  have  been  that  of 
judgment  rather  than  of  heart.  The  people  of  Wisconsin,  however, 
never  fully  became  reconciled  to  the  situation.  From  the  standpoint 
of  state  pride,  it  may  be  said  that  in  the  collapse  of  the  movement  was 
the  magnificenl  city  of  Chicago,  the  'Queen  of  the  north  ami  west,' 
saved  to  Illinois.  The  most  wealthy  and  populous,  as  well  as  progressive, 
counties  were  preserved  to  our  own  beloved  Commonwealth,  which  has 
become  the  pride  of  the  nation." 

Again,  -Mr.  Pope  saw  that  none  of  the  states  in  the  West  could  ven- 
ture a   dissolution  of  the  Union   without   the  assistance  of  a   state  which 


I-  BISTOKS   OF  M<  IILMJY  COUNT? 

nature  had  plai d  should  be  large  and  powerful.    Nathaniel  Pope  was 

indeed  a  constructive  statesman. 

ORGANIZATION    OP    THE    COl  NTY 

On  January  16,  1836,  the  county  of  McHenry  was  separated  by 
Art  of  Legislature  Erom  whal  was  then  known  as  Cook  County,  includ- 
ing the  present  count]  of  Cook  and  the  counties  of  Lake,  DuPage,  Mc- 
Benry  and  Will.    The  acl  creating  tl ounty  read  as  follows: 

"Be  it  enacted,  thai  all  that  tract  of  country  within  the  following 
boundaries,  to  wit:  Beginning  at  a  point  on  Lake  Michigan  where  the 
township  line  dividing  townships  I-  and  13  strikes  said  lake  and  run- 
ning thence  wesl  along  said  line  to  the  east  line  of  range  number  4, 
east  of  the  third  principal  meridian,  thence  north  to  the  boundary  line 
iif  the  state  thence  east  to  Lake  Michigan,  thence  east  along  the  shore 
of  said  lake  td  place  of  beginning,  shall  constitute  a  new  county  to  be 
called  McHenry."  The  population  according  to  the  census  of  1920  is 
33,164. 

SEI  ECTION    OF    COUNTY    SEAT 

The  Legislature  selected  as  a  commission  to  locate  a  county  seat 
the  new  county,  M.  L.  Coville,  of  McLean  County;   Peter  Cohen,  of 
Will    County;   and    Daniel    Dunham,   of    Kane    County.      The    locat 
suggested   were   Libertyville,   Half   Day.   McHenry,   Crystal    Lake   and 

Port  Bill.     After  taking  into  du nsideration  the  advantages  of  each 

settlement  suggested,  the  commissioners  decided,  May  in.  1837,  upon 
McHenry  as  being  the  best  suited  for  the  seat  of  justice  as  it  was  near 
the  geographical  center  of  the  county,  as  then  constituted,  containing 
thirty  congressional  townships. 

PIRS1    ELECTION 

On  Juno  1,  1837,  McHenry  County  held  it-  firsl  election,  at  the 
house  of  Biram  Eennecott,  near  Balf  Day.  which  is  now  in  the  presenl 
County  of  Lake.  As  a  resull  of  the  election,  Charles  II.  Bartlett,  Mat- 
thias Mason.  Solomon  Norton  were  elected  county  commissioners;  Benry 

11.  Steele,  sherit]';  Michael  (  '.  McCllire.  coroner;  Set  h  Washliiini,  re- 
cor.lor;  and  Charles   E.   M v.  surveyor. 


/ 

■ 


I  V  $iu^/tz^X- 


lllsTiiuv  OF  M<  HENRi"  COUNT'S  49 

ROAD   DISTRICTS 

The  county  was  firsl  divided  into  whal  were  railed  Road  Districts, 
this  division  being  effected  June  10,  ls:i7.  and  as  follows:  Oak  Pn 
cinct,  which  was  ihat  pari  of  the  Lake  road  commencing  a1  line  of  Mc- 
Eenry  County  and  extending  to  the  aorth  line  of  Oak  Precinct;  thai 
part  of  the  Lake  road  commencing  at  the  aorth  line  of  Oak  Precincl  and 
extending  to  the  aorth  line  of  BIcHenry  County;  thai  pari  of  the  road 
in  Oak  Precincl  west  of  the  aorth  branch  of  the  Chicago  River,  com 
mencing  on  the  south  line  of  said  county,  and  extending  to  the  north  line 
of  Oak  Precinct;  thai  pari  of  the  Desplaines  road  leading  from  Chicago 
to  .Milwaukee,  commencing  at  the  smith  boundary  line  of  said  county, 
and  extending  to  the  aorth  line  of  Ferry  Euhbard's  claim;  that  pari 

ill'  the  Desplaines  road  eoi ncing  al  the  north  side  of  Ferry  Hubbard's 

claim  and  extending  to  the  north  side  of  Wynkoop's  claim;  thai   pan 

of  the  Desplaines  road  commencing  at  the  north  end  of  Wynkoop's  claim, 
and  extending  north  to  where  said  river  crosses  the  Desplaines  road; 
the  road  commencing  near  Washburn's  on  Indian  Creek,  and  extending 
west  to  Bang's  Lake;  and  Fox  Precinct. 

PRECINCTS 

A  further  division  was  made  in  September.  1837,  when  the  Com- 
missioners' Court  ordered.  "That  that  tract  of  the  country — viz.:  fol- 
lowing the  smith  line  of  said  county  a  distance  of  twelve  miles;  thence 
north  twelve  miles,  thence  east  to  a  point  two  miles  east  of  Fox  River, 
thence  south  for  two  miles  from  the  river  to  the  place  of  beginning — 
shall  constitute  a  general  precinct  and  magistrate's  district  *to  be  called 
Virginia  Precinct  and  .Magistrate's  District." 

On  June  1,  1840,  "all  that  part  of  Virginia  Precincl  lying  north 
of  the  north  line  of  township  43,  east  of  Fox  River,  was  attached  to 
BIcHenry  Precinct." 

BIcHenry  Precinct,  which  was  set  aside  on  September  4,  1837,  origi- 
nally had  the  following  boundaries,  according  to  the  following  order: 
"That  the  following  tract  of  country — viz.:  Commencing  at  a  point 
two  miles  east  of  Fox  River,  thence  west  following  the  aorth  line  of 
the  Virginia  Precinct  twelve  miles,  thence  north  to  the  state  line  to  a 
point  two  miles  of  Fox   River,  thence  south  following  said   river  to  place 

of  beginning — shall  constitute  a  general  precinct  and  magistrate's  dis- 
trict to  be  called  McIIenry  Precinct  and  Magistrate's  District." 


:.()  II  1ST.  MI  Y  OF  M<  1 1  KXUV  COUNTY 

Nipersink  Precinct,  ordered  on  the  Bame  date  was  the  third  pre- 
cinct. The  order  separating  it.  read  as  follows:  "Thai  the  following 
trad  of  country,  viz.:  Commencing  on  the  north  corner  of  McHenry 
Precincl  on  the  state  line,  thence  south  following  the  west  lim 
McHenrj  Precincl  to  the  southwest  corner,  thence  west  to  the  county 
line,  thence  north  to  the  State  line,  thence  east  along  said  state  line 
to  the  place  of  beginning  shall  constitute  a  general  precincl  and  magis- 
trate's district,  t<>  be  called  Nipersink  Precincl  and  Magistrate's  Dis- 
trict." 

Under  the  same  date,  "Ordered  by  the  court,  thai  the  following 
trad  of  country-viz. :  Commencing  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Virginia 
Precinct,  thence  west  following  the  south  line  of  said  county  <>f 
McHenry  to  the  wesl  line  of  said  county,  thence  north  following  said 
county  to  the  southwest  corner  of  Nipersink  Precinct,  thence  east  to 
the  northwest  corner  of  Virginia  Precinct,  thence  south  to  the  county 
line  to  the  place  of  beginning  shall  constitute  a  genera]  precincl  and 
magistrate '8  district  to  be  called  the  Kishwaukee  Precinct  and  Magis- 
trate's District." 

On  October  •">,  1840,  the  Commissioners'  Court  ordered,  That  a 
new  precincl  be  formed  from  McHenry  Precinct,  embracing  township 
16,  raiiL't1  7.  township  4(i.  range  S,  and  that  part  of  township  46,  range 
!>,  which  belongs  to  McHenry  County  shall  be  known  and  designated 
as  and  by  the  name  of   Independence   Precinct." 

PRECINCTS  REFORMED 

With  the  influx  of  settlers,  came  a  necessity  for  a  change  in  the 
boundaries  of  the  precincts,  and  on  .March  1.  1841,  the  commissioners' 

Court  ordered  the  following  reforms: 

"Independence  Precincl  contains  township  16,  range  7.  township  it;. 

range  8,  and  the  west  half  of  township  4(i.  range  9. 

"Nipersink  Precinct  contains  range  6,  township  46,  and  range  5, 
township  46. 

"Eagle  Precinct  contains  township  45,  range  5  and  two  miles  off 
from  Hie  north  part  of  township  h,  range  5." 

"Hartland  Precincl  contains  township  4.">.  range  6,  and  the  wesl  half 
of  township  1.").  range  7;  the  north  half  of  township  44.  range  ti.  and 
sections  4,  .">,  6,  7,  8,  9,  16,  17,  and  is  of  township  44.  range  7." 

"McHenry  Precinct  contains  the  east  half  of  township  4.">.  range  7; 
township  4."i.   range  s;  west   half  of  township  4.">,   range  !'.  and  all  that 


HISTORY  OF  McIIEXKY  COFNTY  5] 

pari  of  township  11.  range  9,  which  formerly  belonged  to  Virginia  Pre 
cinct  lying  on  the  oast  side  of  Pox  River." 

■•  Virginia  Precincl  contains  township  l 1.  range  8,  sections  1.  2,  •'!.  10, 
11.  12,  13,  14.  l.">.  ami  also  ilic  south  half  of  township  II.  all  being 
in  t"\\  nviii|i  14.  range  7  ;  ami  township  4:!.  range  7  \  township  43,  range  8; 
the  west  half  of  township  43,  range  !'. 

"Kishwaukee  Precincl  contains  the  south  half  of  township  II.  range 
(i.  ami  sections  13,  II.  1-"-.  Hi.  17,  IS,  111,  •_'(),  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  '27, 
28,  '-'■'.  30,  31,  32,  :i:i.  34,  35,  36,  of  township  44,  range  •"> ;  township  43, 
range  ■">.  and  township  43,  range  <>." 

On  .March  29,  1841,  the  Commissioners'  Court  ordered  "Thai  town- 
ship 45,  range  5,  ho  annexed  ami  hereafter  form  a  part  of  Nepersinh 
Precinct;  ami  that  pari  of  township  ll.  range  ■">.  which  heretofore  be- 
longed to  Eagle  Precinct  ho  attached  to  Kishwaukee  Precinct;  ami  that 
Eagle  Precinct  I  formed  at  the  .March  term  of  said  eourl  I  he  ami  is  here- 
by extinguished  from  the  list  of  precincts  in  McHenry  County;  and  that 
the  place  for  holding  elections  in  Nipersini  Precinct  he  held  at  the 
schoolhouse  neat  Jason  X.  Jerome's,  in  said  precinct;  and  that  Joseph 
Mctcalf,  Nathaniel  Smith,  and  Welhy  I")i«r«rins,  he  appointed  judges  of 
election  in  said  precinct." 

Another  precinct  was  added  on  March  (i,  184:i,  by  an  order  that  pro- 
vided, "That  the  petition  of  divers  citizens  of  Independence  Precinct 
be  granted)  that  the  precinct  heretofore  known  as  Independence  Pre 
cinct  i  he  divided)  and  that  a  new  precinct  be  formed  with  the  boun- 
daries as  follows,  to-wit  :  To  consist  of  the  whole  of  township  4(i,  range 
'K  and  four  miles  off  from  the  side  of  township  4(i,  range  S  cast  of  the 
third  principal  meridian.  That  this  precinct  lie  known  and  styled  as 
Wentworth." 

On  December  •">.  lsl.'l,  the  Commissioners'  Court  ordered,  "That  a  new 
precinct  be  formed  off  from  the  southeast  corner  of  Virginia  with  boun- 
daries as  follows,  viz  :  "  ( 'ommencing  at  the  southeast  corner  of  McHenry 
County,  running  north  to  the  line  between  McHenry  and  Lake  counties 
to  the  northeast  corner  of  section  5,  on  the  south  line  of  township  II, 
range  9;  thence  west  six  miles  to  the  northwest  corner  of  section  4,  town- 
ship 13,  range  8;  thence  south  to  the  Kane  County  line;  thence  east  to 
the  place  of  beginning.  Said  precinct  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of 
Fox  Precinct." 

In  June,  1844,  the  boundaries  of  Fox  Precinct  were  changed  as  fol- 
lows: "Commencing  at  the  northeast  corner  of  section  4,  running  thence 
south  to  the  southeast  corner  of  section  Hi,  thence  west  one  mile,  thence 


LIBRARY 
UKiVERSITY  Of  K 


52  BISTORT  OF  Mi  IIKNUY  COUNTY 

south  in  the  countj  line."    Under  the  same  date,  ii  waa  ordered,  "That 
the  lines  of  the  Fox  Preeinel  be  changed  bo  as  to  commence  al  the  south- 
west corner  of  section  9,  in  township  t::.  north,  range  8  easl  on  the  \ 
line  of  Pox  Preeinel  ;  thence  easl  on  the  south  side  of  sections  9,  10,  etc., 
nil  it  reaches  the  county  line." 

On  June  2,  1M">.  the  Commis  Courl  ordered,  "Thai  a  new 

preeinel  be  formed  Erom  Nipersink  Preeinel  with  the  boundaries  as  Eol 
lows:    Including  townships  45  and  46  north,  of  range  5  easl  of  the  third 
principal  meridian,  and  thai  said  preeinel  be  called  Byron." 

Another  preeinel  was  Formed  on  the  same  date,  under  the  following 
order,  "Thai  a  new  preeinel  be  formed  Erom  the  remainder  of  Niper- 
sink  Precinct,  consisting  of  township  46  north,  range  6  east,  and  thai 
said  preeinel  be  called  AJden. 

on  June  3,  1845,  the  Commissioners'  Courl  ordered,  "That  township 
16  mirth,  range  7  east,  and  the  north  half  of  township  44  north,  range 

7  east,  constitute  a  new  precinct,  and  thai  said  preeinel  l"1  called  W I 

stock." 

During  the  June  term  of  the  Commissioners'  Courl  in  1846,  Virginia 

Preeinel  was  given  another  name,  under  this  order,  "Thai  the  plai i 

holding  i  lections  in  Virginia  Precinct  be  at  the  house  of  Benry  M.  Wait 
and  s.  King  in  said  precinct,  and  thai  the  name  id'  said  preeinel  be 
changed  to  1  'ass." 

On  March  2,  1847,  the  following  order  was  given:  "On  the  petition 
of  Paschal  Stowell  and  others.  Kishwaukee  Preeinel  was  divided,  and 
township  1+  north,  range  t>  east,  was  constituted  a  preeinel  to  be  known 
as  Franklin." 

On  March  _.  1847,  a  second  order  is  filed,  towit:  Denying  petition 
of  Ellison  I).  Marsh  and  others  for  the  formation  of  a  new  preeinel  to 
be  known  as  ( Joral  Precinct. 

On  Dri-cnilin-  7.  1847,  the  Commissioners'  Courl  ordered,  "Thai  the 
petition  nf  divers  citizens  residing  north  of  the  center  line  in  township 
44  north,  range  8  cast  of  the  third  principal  meridian  and  wesl  of  Fox 
River,  asking  to  have  thai  pari  of  said  township  ahove  described  annexed 
to  McBenry  Preeinel  be  accepted." 

The  Commissioners'  Courl  ordered  under  date  of  June  7.  1848,  "Thai 
township  4li  north,  range  5  oast,  be,  and  is  herehy,  constituted  an  election 
preeinel  by  the  name  of  Chemung." 

On  June  7.  1848,  the  Commissioners'  Court  ordered,  "That  township 

13  north,   range  7  east,   and  the  south   half  of  township  44   north,   ran'-:'- 


BISTORT  OF  MdlKXKY  COUNTY  53 

7  east,  l»'.  and  is  hereby,  constituted  an  election  precincl  under  the  name 
of  Grafton  Precinct." 

Acting  on  the  petition  of  John  Purdy  and  others,  on  September  5, 
1849,  Independence  Precincl  was  divided,  and  the  western  third  of  town- 
ship 16,  range  s.  taken  Erom  Independence  and  attached  to  Cishwaukee 
Precinct. 


TOWNSHIP   ORGANIZATION 

On  November  6,  1849,  ;it  a  general  election,  the  people  of  McHenry 
Countj  vi  ted  1,943  in  favor  of  township  organization,  and  the  Commis- 
sioners' Court  therefore  ordered,  "Thai  Carlisle  Hastings,  Phineas  W. 
Platl  and  Frederick  W.  Smith,  be,  and  arc  hereby,  appointed  commis- 
sioners to  divide  the  county  of  McHenry  into  towns  or  townships,  as  is 
provided  by  the  5th  section  of  the  1st  article  of  the  acl  to  provide  for 
township  and  county  organization.     Approved  Feb.  12,  1849." 

The  results  of  the  commissioners  in  dividing  the  county  into  town- 
ships are  as  follows:  Benton,  Richmond,  Hebron.  Alden,  Chemung, 
Bryon,  Hartland,  Greenwood,  .McHenry,  Brooklyn,  Center,  Seneca. 
Marengo,  Riley,  Coral,  Grafton,  and  Algonquin.  During  1850,  the  name 
of  Brooklyn  was  changed  to  Nunda,  Byron  to  Dunham,  Center  to  Dorr, 
and  Benton  to  Burton.  From  1850  to  the  present  date,  the  affairs  of  the 
various  townships,  so  far  as  county  government  has  been  concerned,  have 
been  in  capable,  honest  hands,  for  only  such  have  been  elected  to  I  lie 
board  of  county  supervisors.  A  list  of  all  members  appears  at  the  close 
of  this  chapter. 

REMOVAL   OF    COUNTY   SEAT 

A  review  of  the  records  of  almost  any  county  will  show  that  at  some 
time  in  its  history,  agitation  has  arisen  over  the  location  of  the  county 
seat.    Frequently,  as  in  the  case  of  McHenry,  changes  in  the  original 

boundary  lines,  makes  the  first  choice  undesirable  because  of  its  location. 

When   .McHenry  was  selected  by  th mmissioners.  as  before  stated,   it 

was  the  <:eo<:raphical  center  of  the  new  county,  but  when  Lake  County 
took  all  of  the  country  east  of  the  section  line  running  north  and  south 
three  miles  east  of  Fox  River  at  McHenry;  in  other  words,  two  thirds  of 
range  9  east,  together  with  all  lyinf:  cast  of  the  line  mentioned.  McHenry 
was  no  longer  the  center  of  the  countv.  and  dissatisfaction  arose  with  it  as 


54  BISTORT  OF  Mi  IIKNIJY  COUNTY 

the  seal  of  justice.  •  Tin-  objection  was  hh.it  felt  in  the  early  days  than 
it  would  be  al  this  day,  for  then  the  settlers  were  so  dependenl  upon 
more  primitive  methods  of  travel.  A  few  miles  one  way  or  the  other 
made  a  vast  difference  to  the  "iirs  who  were  forced  to  struggle,  al 
tain  periods  of  the  year,  through  the  mud  and  swollen  streams,  and  for 
this  reason,  it'  for  no  other,  an  effort  was  made  to  selecl  a  point  equally 
distant  from  all  the  boundaries,  ;it  which  to  locate  the  county  buildings. 
Petitions  were  Bent  to  the  Legislature  for  the  removal  of  the  county 
seat  from  McHenry,  now  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  county,  and  an  act 
was  passed,  and  approved,  Februarj  6,  L843,  authorizing  the  taking 
of  a  vote  upon  the  subject.    Crystal  Lake.  Walkup's  Corners,  four  miles 

east  of  W Istock,  and  Centerville,  now  Woodstock,  were  the  candidates 

for  the  seat  of  justice.  Centerville  was  chosen,  it  being  the  southeast 
quarter  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  section  .">.  township  44,  range  7.  east 
of  tlie  third  principal  meridian  upon  which  the  new  courthouse  was  to  be 
erected.  This  selection  was  ratified  by  the  election  held  September  1, 
1843.  (>n  an-., nut  of  trouble  that  Alvin  Judd  had  in  proving  up  his 
claim  In  the  land  required  for  the  scat  of  justice,  owing  to  the  fad  that 
he  did  not  reside  upon  the  above  described  land  in  June  1843,  nor  upon 

it   until  the   fall  of  that   year,  the  matter  had  to  lie   finally   settled   by   a. 

special  act  of  Congress,  legalizing  Judd's  claim.    On  I>< mber  2,  ls|t. 

the  County  Commissioners'  Courl  met  for  the  firsl  time  at  Centerville. 

The  name  Centerville  not  eting  with  the  approval  of  the  majority  of 

the  people  of  McHenry  County,  an  appeal  was  made  to  the  Legislature  by 
Joel  II.  Johnson  and  others  to  change  the  name  t > .  Woodstock,  after 
W Istock,  Vermont,  the  old  home  of  .Mr.  Johnson  and  some  of  hi-  fel- 
low citizens,  and  this  was  done  by  special  act  under  date  of  February, 
L845.    'I'M-  name  has  since  been  retained. 

In  Is.",.",,  another  movement  was  inaugurated  to  change  the  location 
of  the  county  scat  to  Algonquin  Township,  within  one  mile  of  the  junc- 
tion of  crossing  of  the  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  Pox  Valley  rail- 
roads, and  between  that  point  and  Crystal  Lake  in  -aid  town.  The  ques- 
tion  was  put  to  the  people  at  a  general  election  in  April,  with  the  result 
that  the  rote  stood:  for  removal,  1,048;  against  removal,  2,095. 

FIRST  mi  BTHOl 

The  first  courthouse  of  th unty  was  buill  at  McHenry,  th ntract 

being  let  to  William  II.  Beach,  and  was  occupied  for  the  first  time  by  the 

Commissioners'  Court  on  August  •">.  1840.  Several  contracts  had  1 u  let 


BISTORT  OF  MoHENRY  COUNTY 

by  tlic  county,  and  canceled  prior  to  the  completion  of  this  building,  but 
there  appears  to  be  no  definite  description  of  it.  As  a  new  building  for 
it  ;hkI  also  for  the  housing  of  the  prisoners,  was  soon  deemed  necessary, 
it  doubtless  was  riol  a  very  imposing  structure.  Had  it  been  very  valu- 
able, the  public  building  would  have  hern  moved  to  Centerville. 

-I  l  OND   COURTHOUSE 

George  C.   Dean  and    Daniel   Blair  erected  the  second  courthouse, 
which  was  accepted  on   September  -1.   1844,   for  said  county,  and  all 

documents  of  the  county  were  ordered  removed  to  it.  This  second  court- 
hiiiisc  was  a   plain.  two-Story   frame  building,  which  Stood   nearly   in  the 

center  of  the  public  square  at   \V Istock.     The  land  on  which  it  stood, 

comprising  the  public  square,  was  conveyed  to  the  county  commissioners 

and  their  successors  in  office  for  the  use  of  tin uuty  by  George  C.  Dean 

on  September  2,  1844.  Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  new  courthouse  was 
utterly  inadequate  for  the  needs  of  the  county,  an  additional  building  was 
erected  for  the  use  of  the  county  officers,  and  it  was  familiarly  known  as 
the  "Rat  Hole."  This  name  was  applied  to  it  after  it  losl  the  tin  roof 
with  which  it  was  covered.  This  roof  was  blown  oil'  in  a  heavy  wind 
Storm,  Leaving  tin'  officials  exposed  to  the  inclemency  of  the  weather.  As 
they  hurried  out,  a  wag  exclaimed,  "See  the  rats  crawl  out  of  their 
holes."  The  name  stuck  as  Long  as  the  building  stood,  although  sold 
by  the  county  on  February  25,  1856,  to  Lindsay  Joslyn  for  $72:5. 

PRESENT  COURTHOUSE 

As  can  be  easily  seen,  this  county  was  too  important  a  section  of  the 
state  to  remain  long  without  proper  housing  of  its  officials,  and  on  May 
21,  IS.").'!,  the  board  of  supervisors  authorized  an  inquiry  into  the  probable 
cost  of  the  erection  of  a  proper  courthouse  and  jail,  appointing  as  a 
committee,  C.  M.  Willard,  A.  Judd,  II.  T.  Rice,  Ira  Slocumb  and  Daniel 
Stewart.  Nothing  definite  was  accomplished  until  September  It.  1854, 
when  the  committee  reported  to  the  board  in  favor  of  securing  the  pas- 
sage of  an  act  authorizing  the  board  to  levy  a  special  tax  on  the  assess- 
ment of  the  county  during  1855,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  suitable 
courthouse,  and  such  law  was  passed  at  the  next  session  of  the  Legis- 
lature. 

On    May    .'!().     1855,    Neil    Donnelly.    ('.    M.    Goodsell    and    A.     D.    Coon 
were  appointed   as  a   special   committee   on   securing   plans  and   specifi- 


5G  BISTORT  OF   M<  HKXIJV  COUNTY 

cations  for  the  erection  of  a  joint  courthouse  and  jail.     A  -i i;il  tax 

dt'  two  mills  was  levied,  and  the  ground  owned  by  Mary  McMahon  and 
occupied  by  Hill's  Tavern  was  broughl  by  tin'  people  of  Woodstock  and 
donated  t"  the  county,  and  the  county  turned  over  t"  the  town  of  Wood- 
stock tlir  old  courthouse  to  !"■  used  for  town  purposes.  It  was  later 
destroj  <'<!  by  tin1. 

Attn-  some  changes  in  plans,  scaled  proposals  were  received  until 
January  21,  1856,  for  the  buildings,  to  be  completed  by  October  1. 
1857.  Messrs.  Donnelly,  Kasson  and  Qoodsel]  were  the  members  of  the 
building  committee.  George  Eebard  and  Son,  of  Marengo,  received  tin' 
.•outran  for  the  brick,  stone  mason,  plasterer  and  stone  cutter  work, 
their  price  being  $18,000.  Russell  C.  Mix  and  .lames  A.  Hind-,  of 
Aurora,  received  the  contract  for  the  carpenter,  joiner,  glazier  and  iron 

Work,  their  hid  also  being  $18,000.  The  entire  cost  of  the  third  court- 
house was  about  $17.0(10.  and  the  buildinu  was  completed  on  time. 

The  third  courthouse  is  in  reality  the  one  still  in  us.'.     However,  when 

ever  it  appeared  to,,  small  to  accommodate  the ds  of  the  county  officers 

and  the  many  public  records,  the  county  board  of  supervisors  has  pro- 
vided additions  in  either  direction,  which  has  given  plenty  of  vault  room 
and  more  adequate  quarters  for  the  convenience  of  the  .judges  and  court 
same  quality  of  material  and  stone  trimmings,  as  well  as  roofiing,  have 
been  so  added  that  the  style  of  architecture  has  been  kepi  intact.  It  is  a 
red  brick  structure. 

.TAILS 

Until  the  present  jail  was  erected.  .McIIenry  provided  for  the  in- 
carceration of  its  prisoners  within  its  several  eourthouses,  and  the  barred 
windows  in  the  basement  of  the  present  courthouse  show  that  at  one 
time  the  cells  within  were  used  to  confine  those  who  had  offended  against 
the  law.  Living  quarters  were  also  set  aside  in  the  courthouse  for  the 
sheriff,  but  with  the  expansion  of  the  county's  business  it  was  found  in- 
expedient to  continue  these  practices  anil  the  present  jail  and  sheriff's 
residence  uas  erected  adjoining  the  courthouse,  in  1887,  at  a  cost  of  *17.- 
000.  It  was  erected  under  the  supervision  of  R.  J.  Reck,  a  member  of  the 
board  of  supervisors,  who  had  been  appointed  on  the  building  committee. 
As  the  property  now  stands  it  has  increased  very  considerably  in  value 
owing  to  the  numerous  improvements  and  the  increase  in  building  COStfi. 
New  steelwork  for  the  cases  was  put  in  about  I'M:;,  and  other  changes 
have  been  made  as  needed. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  57 

POOH    FA  KM 

I'mil  L884,  the  county  was  withoul  a  poor  farm,  although  i1  cared  for 
its  paupers  from  the  earliest  days.     As  early  as  L859,  an  Act  of  Legia 
lature  was  secured  authorizing  this  county  to  set  apart  the  accessary 

funds  to  purchase  at   leasl  one  hundred  acres  of  land  and  erect   the  -es- 

sary  buildings,  bul  the  measure  was  defeated  when  pul  before  the  people. 
Dp  to  the  securing  of  a  farm,  each  township  cared  for  its  own  unfortu 
Date  poor  under  a  special  act  approved  February  LO,  L853. 

In  1884  the  hoard  of  county  supervisors  voted  $25. 000   for  the   pur 
pose  of  buying  the  land  and  erecting  buildings,  the  money  to  be  pro 
vided  by  the  issuance  of  five  per  cenl  bonds.    A  committee  was  appointed 
to  select  a  farm  suitable,  comprised  sufficient   acreage  to  care  for  the 
pauper  element.    The  farm  of  113  acres  was  finally  purchased  for  $6,000 
from  .1.  ('.  Allen,  and  is  near  Kishwaukee,  in  Ilartland  Township. 

Proper  buildings  were  erected  on  the  farm  and  there  the  poor  of  the 
county  have  been  eared  for  under  a  superintendent  ever  since.  During 
the  spring  of  1919,  the  supervisors  appropriated  $9,000  for  the  building 
of  a  more  roomy  and  modern  residence  on  the  poor  farm.  The  contract 
was  let  June  9  to  Andrew  Lindquist  of  Marengo,  with  other  contractors 
for  special  portions  of  the  work. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  hoard  of  supervisors  held  in  March,  1921, 
the  following  report  was  made  relative  to  the  poor  farm  by  the  committee 
having  it  in  charge,  F.  A.  Walters,  chairman,  A.  H.  Hale,  II.  M.  Turner, 
I).  M.  Wright,  R.  E.  Haeger,  Charles  H.  Ackman,  and  E.  C.  Hughes. 

SUMMARY   NO.   1 

Total  for  year $19,153.34 

Divided  as  follows: 

Permanent  improvements $  4,579.36 

Running  expenses    12,415.34 

( llothing,  boots  and  shoes 952.48 

Tobacco  312.40 

Medicine   252.40 

.Medical   attendance    41  6.50 

Undertaking  224.80 

Total   19,153.34 


58  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Less  farm  products  sold $  3,062  00 

Less  board  of  inmates      L23.40 

Total   3,185.40 

Balance  $15,967.94 

Supplies  on  band  March  1.  1920 2,1  14.00 

Total   $18,111.94 

Less  ^i|i|ili>'s  on  hand  March  1.  1921 2,247.73 

Balance   $11,284.85 

Less  permanenl  improvements 4,579.36 

Total  eost  for  one  year $11,284.85 

Number  of  weeks — 1844. 
Number  of  inmates-    18. 
Cost  per  week     $6.1 1. 

MMMAKY    NO.   2 

Total  expenses  for  one  year $19,153.34 

Less  following  items : 

Permanenl  improvements  $  4,579.36 

Clothing,  1  loots  and  shoes 952.48 

Tobacco  312.40 

Medicine  252.46 

Medical  attendance   lit;. oil 

Undertaking 224.80 

Farm  products  sold   3,0(i2.00 

Board  of  inmates  1_':;.40 

Total   9,229.49 

Supplies  on  hand  March  1.  1!)20 2,144.00 

Total    $11.::::: ''1 

Less  supplies  on  hand  March  1,  1921 2, -'47.43 

Total  cost  dieting  one  year $  9,12o'..M 


BISTORT?  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  59 

Number  of  weeks-  Is  1 1 
Number  of  inmates-  Is 
Cos!  of  diel  ing  per  week-  $4.95. 

i  01  N"l  V    JUDGES 

The    following    have   served    as   county    judges:      Aj y  Thomas, 

elected  in  1839;  Andrew  -I.  Barnum,  1840;  Joel  II.  Johnson,  lsil  l- 

I-:.   .1.   Smith,    1843-48;    L.   Joslyn,    1848-49;  Joseph   Golder,  1849-54 

.1.  .M.  Strode,  1854-57;  T.  I).  .Murphy.  1858-61;  William  Kerr,  1862-66 

I.    s.  Church,  1867-69;  B.  X.  Smith.  1870-82;  <>.  II.  Gilmore,  1882-90 
C.  II.  Donnelly,  1890-97;  <>.  II.  Gilmore,  1897-1906;  D.  'I'.  Smiley,  1906- 
20;  1920— Charles  1".  Barnes. 

SUPERINTENDENTS    OF    SCHOOLS 

This  official  from  the  organization  of  tin-  county  down  to  the  sixties 
was  styled  "school  commissioner,''  bul  since  then  the  term  "superin- 
tendent" has  been  used.  Those  who  have  held  the  offices  of  hnth  com- 
missioner and  superintendent  are  as  follows:  Charles  Hastings,  1841-43; 
Peter  Dietz.  1st:;  |.v  Major  T.  Irwin,  1845-47;  Phineas  W.  Piatt,  1847- 
49;  Rev.  R.  K.  Todd.  1849-54;  M.  T.  Hutchinson,  1854-55;  Asa  W. 
Smith,  1855-59;  Alvin  Brown,  1859-61;  Theodore  Mead,  lsi;ii;:;; 
Thomas  Ereanbrack,  1863-65;  A.  J.  Kingman,  1865-69;  G.  S.  South- 
worth,  1869-73;  William  Nickle,  1873-77;  A.  W.  Young,  1877-81;  D.  I). 
Baldwin,  1881-83;  II.  R.  Baldwin,  1883-84;  Lester  Barber,  1884-90; 
\V.  B.  Wire,  1890-1902;  Geo.  W.  Conn.  1902-10;  A.  M.  Shelton,  1910-22. 

3KI  BIFPS 

Those   who   have   held   the   ot'tiee  of  sheriff  since   1837   are  as    follows: 

Henry  B.  Steele,  1837-39;  Andrew  B.  Cornish.  1839  10;  Christopher 
Walkup,  1840  l-:  Henry  M.  Wait,  1843-46;  Thomas  M.  White.  1SHI-4!); 
Xeill  Donnelly.  1849-51;  John  Brink,  1851  53;  Carlisle  Hastings,  1853 
55;  G.  W.  Bentley,  18.T>-.Y7:  John  Eddy.  1  s."i7-.".s :  E.  E.  Thomas,  1858-60; 
Lew  1.  Ellsworth,  1860-62;  B.  F.  Church.  lS(i'2-(i4;  E.  E.  Thomas.  1864 
66;  J.  M.  Southworth,  1866-69;  Austin  Badger,  1869  7:!:  Malachi  Church, 
1873-77;  Daniel  Stedman,  1877-81;  Malachi  Church,  1881-83;  A.  Qdell, 
1--::-:,:  (ieor-e  Eekert,  1886-90;  A.sad  Udell,  1890-94;  George  Eckert, 
1894-98;  Henry  Keys,  1898-1902;  M.  M.  Lake,  19tr_>-()(i;  Charles  Wand- 


60  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

la.k.  L906-10;  Andrew  Benderson,  1910-14;  Charles  Wandrack,  1914 
18;   R03    J.  Stewart,   1918,   the   present   sheriff  whose  term  expires  in 
1922. 

I  01  vn    TREAS1  BEBfi 

Since  the  organization  in  1837  McHenry  County's  treasurers  have 
been  as  follows:  Andrew  S.  Wells,  1837;  Lewis  0.  shank-.  1838-39; 
Thomas  R.  Chunn,  1839-40;  S.  S.  Qreenleaf,  1840  13;  Peter  La  Dow, 
1843  17;  Joseph  Golder,  1-17  18;  George  W.  Dana.  1848  I'';  James  T. 
Pierson,  1849-51;  Charles  McClue,  1851  53;  Gilbert  B.  Drake,  1853-55; 
Ah.  I  W.  Puller,  1855-56;  Samuel  Richardson,  1856-58;  William  Bart, 
Jr.,  1858-62;  Fred  J.  Mansfield,  1863-66;  Alexander  S.  Stewart,  1867- 
74;  James  Nish,  1875-86;  William  II.  Stewart,  1886-90;  James  B.  Perry, 
1890-94;  Benry  Keyes,  1894-98;  F.  P.  Axtell,  1898  1902;  E.  C.  Jewett, 
1902-06;  William  S.  McConnell,  1906-1910;  A.  A.  Crissey,  1910-14; 
Lynn  Richards,  1914-18;  William  S.  McConnell,  L918-22. 

COUNTY    CLERKS 

Hamilton  Dennison,  1837;  Joseph  Wood,  1837-39;  Ziba  S.  Beardsley, 
L839  13;  Joel  S.  Johnson,  1843-48;  Enos  W.  Smith,  1848-53;  Elam  M. 
Lamb,  1853-58;  William  II.  Stewart.  1858-61;  Elam  M.  Lamb,  1861  65; 
M.  I).  Boy,  1865-72;  Peter  Whitney.  1872-82;  William  Avery.  1882 
94;  » ge  K.  Rushton,  1894  1910;  Guy  E.  Still,  1910,  whose  term  ex- 
tends until  1922,  have  been  the  county  clerk-  of  this  county. 

CIRCUIT    I  I  iERKS   AND   RECORDERS 

Seth  Washburn,  1837;  Archimedes  Burr  Wynkoop.  ls:!s-::u:  Isaac 
G.  Wilson,  1839;  Joel  II.  Johnson.  1840-56;  George  T.  Kasson,  1856  61  . 
Charles  II.  Russell,  1861-64;  Joseph  Dwight,  1864-68;  J.  M.  South- 
worth,  1869-72;  Austin  Badger,  1873-76;  Brastus  C.  Richards,  1877  B8; 
W.  P.  .Morse.  1888-96;  George  B.  Richards,  1896  1904;  Theodore  Bamer, 
1904-20;  1920,  Charles  P.   Hayes,  have  served   in   the  dual  offices  of 

circuit  clerk  and  recorder. 

i 

CORONERS 

This  county's  coroners  have  1 a  as  follows:     Michael  C.  McGuire, 

1837;  A.  B.  Cornish.  1838-39;  B.  P.  Bosworth,  1840  H  ;  Nathaniel  Smith, 


BISTORT  OF  M.IIKXUY  COUNTY  61 

1842-43;  Neil]  Donnelly,  1844  15;  M.  L.  Huffman,  1846  17 ;  Jesse  Slavin, 
1848-51;  William  Pratt,  1852-54;  C.  II.  Shapley,  1855-57;  William  ti. 
Smith,  1858-59;  B.  A.  Wade,  1860-61;  P.  W.  Murphy,  1862-63;  David 
Blair,  1864-65;  1>.  P.  Conklin,  1866-74;  J.  W.  Groesbeck,  1874-76; 
W.  E.  Smith,  1876;  John  S.  Cummings,  1877-78;  Howard  L.  Pratt, 
L878;  William  .M .  Cook,  1879-84;  C.  B.  Cook,  1884-96;  S.  C.  Wernham, 
L896  1904;  J.  S.  Maxon,  1904  9,  and  the  balance  of  term  was  held  by 
c.  B.  Peck,  who  was  elected  and  held  the  office  until  1920  when  Dr.  Bmil 
Windmueller  was  elected. 

&VEYORS 

The  county's  surveyors  have  1 o  as  follows:     C.   B.  Moore,  1837; 

A.  s.  Barnam,  1838-42;  John  Brink,  1842-52;  T.  McD.  Richards,  1853 
56;  John   Brink,   1857-84;   W.  X.   Willis.  1884-88;  C.  X.  Tryon,   1888- 
1908;  Lester  Barber,  l!K),S-lL';  <i.  L.  Tryon.  1912  to  the  present  time. 

SUPERINTENDENTS  OP   POOR 

Since  the  county  has  had  a  poor  farm  on  which  to  care  for  the  un- 
fortunate poor,  the  superintendents  have  been  as  follows:  X.  S.  Robb, 
1884-95;  Homer  Brown,  1895-1902;  George  K.  .Mills.  1902-13;  Gardner 
Knapp.  1913  to  the  present  t  Line. 

STATES    ATTORNEYS 

Alonzo  Huntington,  1S.S7-40;  Edward  G.  Re<*an,  1840-43;  James 
Curtiss.  184:5-44;  William  A.  Boardman,  1S45-49;  Alonzo  Piatt,  1850- 
51  :  Amos  B.  Coon.  1852;  M.  M.  Boyce,  1853-57;  Edward  S.  Joslyn,  1857- 
61;  Amos  B.  Coon,  1861-63;  M.  M.  Boyce,  1864-69;  Charles  Kellum,  1870- 
73;  Joseph  V.  Cheever,  1873-76;  Ira  K.  Curtiss,  1877-84;  A.  B.  Coon, 
1884-96;  V.  S.  Lumley,  1896-1900;  I,.  D.  Lowell,  1900-08;  David  R. 
Joslyn,  1908-16;  V.  S.  Lumley.  1916  to  the  present  time. 

COUNTY    COMMISSIONERS 

From  1837  until  the  adoption  of  the  township  system  in  1850,  the 
following  men  served  as  members  of  the  Commissioners'  Court:  1837 — 
Charles  II.  Bartlett.  Matthias  Mason.  Solomon   Xorlon.  Samuel  Sherman; 

1>:js     Solomon  Xorton,  Ransom  Steele,  William  Jackson,  B    B.  Brown, 


62  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Gideon  Colby,  Robert  G.  White;  1839  B.  B.  Brown,  11.  Q.  White, 
Daniel  W.  !'.  Tower;  1840-  B.  B.  Brown,  K.  G.  White.  Daniel  W.  P. 
Tower;  1841  K.  G.  White,  D.  W.  P.  Tower,  II.  B.  Throop;  1842  I).  W. 
I".  Tower,  II.  B.  Throop,  Bela  II.  Tryon;  1843— H.  B.  Throop,  B.  II. 
Tryon,  Andrew  J.  Hayward;  1844  Same  as  in  1843;  1845  II  B. 
Throop,  A.  -I.  Hayward,  William  A.  McConnell;  1846— H.  P..  Tin 
William  A.  McConnell,  Carlisle  Hastings;  1847  -William  A.  McConnell, 
Carlisle  Hastings,  Dexter  Barrows;  1848-   Same  ;i-  in  1847. 

-i  PERV1SORS 

After  tlir  abolishmenl  of  the  County  Commissioner  Court  came  the 
present  supervisor  system  wherein  each  civil  township  in  the  county  is 
represented  on  what  is  termed  the  "board  of  county  supervisors."  The 
men  holding  such  position  since  the  system  commenced  in  1850  have 
been:  1850 — James  C.  Thompson,  Chemung;  Cyrus  Allen.  Byron; 
Amos  D.  Coon,  Marengo;  Ira  E.  Searles,  Riley;  Calvin  Pike,  Seneca; 
Olonzci  Golder,  Hartland;  Andrew  Easton,  Allien;  Josiah  II.  Giddings 
(chairman  i.  Hebron ;  Joseph  X.  Barber,  Greenwood;  Blzaphan  J.  Smith, 
Centre;  Blias  A.  Thomas,  Algonquin;  William  Salisbury,  Brooklyn; 
Charles  II.  Russell,  Richmond;  Sylvanus  stillson,  Benton;  Charles 
Crego,  Coral;  Thomas  s.  Huntley,  Grafton;  Alex  II.  Nixon,  McHenry. 

1851 — Cyrus  Allen.  Dunham;  Horace  Burton.  Nunda;  Amos  B.  Coon, 
Marengo;  John  Freeman,  Alden;  Alonzo  Colder.  Hartland;  Oliver  II. 
P.  liookin,  Hebron  ;  William  Hart,  Jr.  Chemung ;  Pliny  Hayward,  Grt 
wood;  D.  T.  Hyde,  Seneca;  Merrit  L.  Joslyn,  Dorr;  Darius  Kingsley, 
Burton;  Alpheus  Kenny,  Grafton;  Abraham  Reynolds  (chairman  .  Mc- 
Henry; Charles  II.  Russell,  Richmond;  Ira  A.  Searles.  Riley;  Elias  A. 
Thomas,  Algonquin;  James  M.  White,  Coral. 

1852-  Cyrus  Allen,  Dunham;  Horace  Burton.  Nunda;  X.  M.  Capron, 
Allien;  Wesley  Diggins,  Chemung ;  Pliny  Hayward,  Greenwood;  Alvin 
.ludd.  Woodstock;  Darius  Kingsley,  Burton;  Joseph  P.  Lyon,  Dorr; 
.Myron  P.  Potter.  Algonquin;  Abraham  Reynolds  (chairman),  McHenry; 
Henry  T.  Rice.  Hartland;  Sam.  Richardson.  Riley;  Thomas  McD.  Rich- 
ards, Seneca;  Daniel  Stewart.  Merengo;  Charles  II.  Tryon.  Hebron; 
S.  T.  Thompson.  Grafton. 

1853  Jesse  Fellows.  Riley  ;  Daniel  Stewart.  Marengo;  II.  C.  Chand- 
ler. Dunham;  Wesley  Diggins,  Chemung;  Andrew  Easton.  Alden;  Henry 
T.  Rice.  Hartland:  T.  McD.  Richards,  Seneca;  Anson  Rodgers,  Coral; 
W.  S.  Robh,  Grafton;  <>.   A.   Hitchcock.   Dorr;  A.  Judd    (chairman  , 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRX   COUNTY  63 

Woodstock;  Ira  Slocumb,  Greenwood;  A.  Coggswell,  Eebron;  John 
Sibley,  Richmond;  Alfred  Stephens,  Burton;  A.  II.  Nixon,  McHenry; 
H.  M.  Lamb,  Nunda.;  -I.  P.  .Miller.  Algonquin. 

1854 — Joseph  Patterson,  Riley;  Henry  ('.  Chandler,  Dunham;  New- 
ton M.  Capron,  Alden;  John  Eddy,  Coral;  George  II.  Griffin,  Dorr; 
Charles  fit  Goodsell,  Greenwood;  William  A.  McConnell  (chairman), 
Richmond;  A.  II.  Nixson,  McHenry;  Alexander  Heeler,  Marengo;  C.  K. 
Brown,  Chemung;  George  T.  Easson,  Seneca;  Sanford  Haight,  Graf- 
ton; Enos  W.  Smith,  Woodstock;  diaries  II.  Tryon,  Hebron;  John 
Sanborn,  Burton;  -I.  R.  Mack,  Nunda.  Henry  T.  Rice,  Hartland. 

L855— Samual  Richardson,  Riley;  Amos  B.  Coon,  Marengo;  -I.  Wells, 
Dunham;  C.  R.  Brown,  Chemung;  Stephen  Alberty,  Alden;  Henry  T. 
Rice,  Hartland;  George  T.  Easson,  Seneca;  Anson  Rodgers,  ('oral; 
Chauncey  Pendleton,  Grafton;  Nathan  Jewett,  Dorr;  Neil!  Donnelly, 
Woodstock;  Charles  M.  Goodsell,  Greenwood;  William  II.  Stewart,  He- 

bron;John  Sibley  (chairman),  Richn d;John  Sanborn,  Burton;  1'.  B. 

Cassidy,  McHenry;  William  Salisbury,  Nunda;  Warren  Stannard,  Al- 
gonquin, 

1856 — Samuel  Richardson  (chairman),  Riley;  Jonathan  Wells,  Dun- 
ham; A.  B.  Stark,  Alden;  C.  T.  Hyde,  Seneca;  Charles  Hubbard,  Graf- 
ton; Charles  M.  Goodsell,  Greenwood;  John  Sibley,  Richmond;  .John 
W.  Smith,  McHenry;  Jesse  P.  Miller,  Algonquin;  William  Edwards, 
Marengo;  Wesley  Diggins,  Chemung;  Mr.  McFarland,  Hartland;  John 
Eddy,  Coral;  Charles  M.  Willard,  Dorr;  Josiah  II.  Giddings,  Hebron; 
John  Sanborn,  Burton;  J.  Butler,  Nunda;  Neill   Donnelly,   Woodstock. 

1857 — Samuel  Richardson,  Riley;  Peter  W.  Deitz,  Marengo;  John 
Wells.  Dunham;  Mr.  Hutchinson,  Chemung;  Aaron  D.  Stark,  Alden. 
died  Feb.  3,  1858;  Andrew  Hood,  Hartland;  U.  T.  Hyde,  Seneca;  James 
M.  White,  Coral;  E.  P.  Harden,  Grafton;  M.  W.  Hunt,  Dorr;  M.  B. 
Baldwin,  Woodstock;  Stephen  G.  Brittain,  Greenwood;  Josiah  Gid- 
dings, Hebron;  John  Sibley  (chairman),  Richmond;  Richard  Wray, 
Burton;  Richard  Bishop,  McHenry;  James  McMillen,  Nunda;  Jesse  F. 
Miller.  Algonquin. 

1858— M.  Butterfield,  Riley;  Peter  W.  Deitz,  Marengo;  <: ge  Heb- 

bard,  Marengo  village;  Cyrus  Allen,  Dunham;  Thomas  Paul,  Chemung; 
Stephen  Alberty,  Alden;  Andrew  Hood,  Hartland;  Garrett  W.  Deitz, 
Seneca;  William  M.  Jackson  (chairman),  Coral;  Thomas  S.  Huntley, 
Grafton;  William  H.  Murphy,  Dorr;  M.  W.  Hunt.  Woodstock;  S.  G. 
Brittain,  Greenwood;  Alphonso  Tyler.    Hebron;   C.   II.   Russell,    Rich- 


64  BISTORT  OF   Mi  IIKXRY  COUNTY 

mond;  Richard  Wray,  Burton;  Richard  Bishop,  McHenry;  C.  W.  IIulT. 
Nunda ;  Jesse  K.  Miller,  Algonquin. 

1859  M.  Butterfield,  Riley;  A.  B.  Coon,  Marengo;  *'  Lansing 
(chairman  .  Marengo  village;  Cyrus  Allen,  Dunham;  W.  B.  McArthur, 
Chemung;  Stephen  Alberty,  Alden;  Andrew  Bood,  Hartland;  <i  W. 
Deitz,  Seneca;  William  Alden,  Coral;  Adam  S.  Buntley,  Grafton;  .M.  W. 

Hunt.  W Lstock;  Pasco  Austin.   Dorr;   II.   Burton,  unspecified;  J.   II 

Giddings,  Bebron;  A.  1'.  Wells.  Richmond;  Lewis  Batch,  Burton;  A.  ('. 
Thompson,  Greenwood;  Richard  Bishop,  McHenrj  ;  ('.  W.  Hull'.  Nunda; 
B.  A.  Thomas,  Algonquin. 

1860 — A.  B.  Coon.  Marengo;  C.  Lansing  (chairman),  Marengo  vil- 
lage; Dexter  Barrows,  Dunham;  W.  B.  McArthur,  Chemung;  S.  Alberty, 
Alden;  A.  Bood,  Bartland;  0.  Turner,  Seneca;  S.  R.  Bartholomew, 
Coral;  Mr.  Cummings,  unspecified;  I.  Slocum,  Greenwood;  X'  ill  Don- 
nelly,  Woodstock;   .Mr.   Thompson;   .Mr.   Mead,   Bebron;   A.   I'.   Wells, 

Richn il;    Lewis    Hatch.    Burton;    Richard    Bishop,    McBenry;    E.   M. 

Lamb,   Nunda;  Mr.  Klink,   Al<roiK[iiiii ;   II.   Butterfield,   Riley. 

1861 — II.   Underwood,   Riley;   A.    I'..   (' i,   Marengo;   Cos   Lansing 

chairman},  Marengo  village;  D.  Barrows,  Dunham;  W.  B.  McArthur, 
Chemung;  S.  Alberty,  Alden;  D.  Sculley,  Bartland;  Mr.  Parsons,  Sen- 
eca;  J.  G.  Templeton,  Grafton;  I.  Slocum,  unspecified;  M.  I..  Joslyn, 
Dorr;  J.  Eckert,  Greenwood;  A.  P.  Wells.  Richmond;  E.  M.  Lamb, 
Nunda;  .lames  Xish,  Algonquin;  Richard  Bishop,  McHenry;  S.  R.  Bar- 
tholomew, Coral. 

1862 — H.  Underwood,  Riley;  A.  P.  Coon,  Marengo;  Dexter  liar 
mws.  Dunham;  W.  1!.  McArthur,  Chemung;  Stephen  Alherty,  Alden; 

D.  Sculley,  Hartland;  Mr.  Parsons,  Seneca;  ('.  W.  II.  Card  (chairman  . 
Grafton;  Ira  Slocum,  Greenwood;  -I.  G.  Templeton,  unspecified;  -I. 
Eckert,  unspecified;  Mr.  Hopkins,  unspecified;  A.  I*.  Wells,  Richmond; 
Richard  Bishop,  McHenry;  Mr.  Buck,  unspecified;  -lames  Xish.  Algon- 
quin; M.  L.  Joslyn,  Dorr;  Cos  Lansing,  Marengo  village;  A.  S.  Hanchet, 
Woodstock. 

1863— W.  0.  Nichols,  Riley;  Peter  W.  Deitz,  Marengo;  B.  A.  Wade. 
Dunham;  T.  B.  Wakeman,  Chemung;  Stephen  Alherty.  Alden;  Andrew 

II 1,   Hartland;    Uriah   T.    Hyde,   Seneca;    Daniel   C.   Thomas,    (oral; 

T.  S.  Huntley  (chairman:.  Grafton;  M.  L.  Joslyn,  Dorr;  Jacob  Eckert, 
Greenwood;  C.  S.  Adams,  Bebron;  Alfred  P.  Wells.  Richmond;  Lewis 
Hatch,   Burton;   Richard    Bishop,   McHenry;  Josiah   Walkup,   Nunda; 

E.  A.  Thomas.  Algonquin;  William  Ken-.  Woodstock;  E.  »;.  Backley, 
Marengo  village. 


3 
/ 


> 
/ 


EISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNT'S  65 

1m)4  s.  B.  Bartholomew,  Coral;  Stephen  Burton,  Grafton;  Bich- 
ard  Wray,  Burton;  M.  L.  Joslyn,  Dorr;  Harrison  C.  Smith,  McHenry; 
Henry  Underwood,  Biley;  Peter  W.  Weitz,  Marengo;  Dexter  Barrows, 
Dunham;  Charles  B.  Brown,  Chemung;  Stephen  Alberty,  Alden;  An- 
drew  Eood,   Hartland;  Thomas  .M.   Hood,  Seneca;  Qeo.    II.  Garrison, 

Greenwood;  Charles  S.   Adams,   Hebron;  -lames   Bobbins,    Bichm I; 

Francis  Harrison,  Nunda;  E.  A.  Tl ins  (chairman),  Algonquin;  Wil 

Ham  Kerr,  W Lstock;  W.  II.  Messick,  Marengo  village. 

1865     Henry   Underwood,   Biley;   Peter  W.   Deitz   (chairman),   Ma- 
rengo; Dexter  Barrows,  Dunham;  T.  B.  Wakeman,  Chemung;  Stephen 
Alberty,  Alden;  Andrew  Hood.  Hartland;  L.  W.  Sheldon,  Seneca;  S.  K 
Bartholomew,   Coral;   Stephen    Burton,   Grafton;   M.   L.  Joslyn,    Dorr; 

George   II.   Garrison,   Greenw I;   Charles  s.   Adams.    Hebron;   A.    P. 

Wells.    Bichmond;    Prank    Cole,    Burton;    Richard    Bishop,    McHenry; 

F.  I).  Patterson,  Nunda;  J.  F.  Miller.  Algonquin;  William  Ken-,  Wood- 
stock; G.  B.  Adams,  Marengo  village. 

1866-  Edward  II.  Skinner.  Biley;  Peter  W.  Deitz,  Marengo;  Cyrus 
Allen,  Dunham;  T.  B.  Wakeman.  Chemung;  Stephen  Alberty,  Alden; 
Andrew  Hood,  Hartland  ;  T.  Bigelow,  Seneca  ;  S.  W.  Bartholomew  I  chair 
man),  Coral;  Elias  Wanzer,  Grafton;  William  Kerr,  Dorr;  Geo.  H. 
Garrison,  Greenwood;  Charles  S.  Adams.  Hebron;  Alfred  P.  Wells, 
Bichmond;  Bichard  Wray,  Burton;  Bichard  Bishop,  McHenry;  F.  D. 
Patterson,  Nunda;  dames  Crow,  Algonquin;  L.  S.  Church,  Woodstock; 

G.  B.  Adams,  Marengo  \  illage. 

1867— E.  II.  Skinner,  Biley;  Peter  W.  Deitz,  Marengo;  Cyrus  Allen, 
Dunham;  J.  C.  Crumb,  Chemung;  Stephen  Alberty,  Alden;  Andrew 
Hood,  Hartland:  T.  Bigelow,  Seneca:  s.  K.  Bartholomew,  Coral;  Elias 
Wanzer,  Grafton;   Flam  M.  Lamb,  Dorr;  G.  II.  Garrison,  Crccnwood; 

Charles  S.  Adams.  Hebron;  W.  A.  McC lell  (chairman),  Bichmond; 

Bobert  Bichardson,  Burton;  Richard  Bishop,  McHenry;  P.  I).  Patter 
son,  Nunda;  John  Gillilan,  Algonquin;  F.  M.  Lamb,  Woodstock;  G.  B. 
Adams.  Marengo  village. 

1868  E.  II.  Skinner,  Riley:  Peter  W.  Deitz.  Marengo;  Dexter  Bar 
rows,  Dunham;  J.  C.  Crumb,  Chemung;  Andrew  Hood.  Hartland;  T. 
.Mel).  Bichards,  Seneca;  I).  C.  Thomas.  Coral;  Elias  Wanzer,  Grafton; 
M.  L.  Joslyn,  Dorr;  I  leorge  II.  Garrison,  Greenwood  ;  I  lharles  S.  Adams. 
Hebron ;  William  A.  McConnell  (chairman),  Bichmond;  Robert  Bichard- 
Bon,  Burton;  P.  J.  Wheaton,  Nunda;  John  Gillilan,  Algonquin;  B.  N. 
Smith.  W lstock;  J.  II.  Bagley,  Marengo  village;  E.  G.  Ayer,  Harvard. 

1869  F.  II.  Skinner.  Riley;  Alexander  I).  Stewart.   Marengo;   \^'\- 


GC  HISTORY   OF   M(  HENRI   COUNTS 

ter  Barrows,  Dunham;  J.  C.  Crumb,  Chemung;  Andrew  II I.   Ei 

land;  L.  W.  Sheldon,  Seneca;  S.   K.   Bartholomew,  Coral;  C.   W.   II 

Card,  Grafton;  M.  L.  Joslyn,  Dorr;  George  II.  Garrison,  Greenw I; 

Charles  S.  Adams,  Hebron;  William  A.  McConnell   (chairman),  Rich- 
mond; Lewis  Hatch,  Burton;  David  Salisbury,  McHenry;  Josiafa  Wal- 
kup,  Nunda;  James  Nish,   Algonquin;  .M.  I».   Hoy,   Woodstock;  J.  G 
Crumb,  Harvard;  G.  L>.  Adams,  Marengo  village. 

1870— W.  II.  Groesl k,  Alden;  R.   I>.  Cooney,  Hartland;  Charles 

0.   I'aisiuis.  Seneca;  S.   K.   Bartholomew,  ('oral;  Thomas  S.   Huntley, 

Grafton;  Merril  L.  Joslyn,  Dorr;  George  II-  Garrison,  Greene 1;  Sam 

W.  Brown,  Hebron;  William  A.  McConnell  (chairman  .  Richmond; 
Robert  Richardson,  Burton;  P.  K.  Granger,  McHenry;  James  McMil- 
len,  Nunda;  James  (row.  Algonquin;  II.  Underwood,  Riley;  A.  D. 
Stewart.  Marengo;  G.  B.  Adams.  Marengo  village;  -I.  A.  W 1.  Dun- 
ham; R.  Gardner,  Harvard;  B.  E.  Richards,  W Istock. 

Isil      William   II.  (inieslieek,  Alden;  R.  I).  Cooney,  Hartland;  (\  0 
Parsons,  Seneca;  S.  K.  Bartholomew,  Coral;  T.  S.  Huntley,  Grafton; 
M.  L.  .Joslyn.   Don-;  George   II.  Garrison,  Greenwood;  S.  W.   Brown, 
Hebron;  W.  A.  McConnell  (chairman),  Richmond;  Robert   Richardson, 
Burton;  P.  K.  Granger,  McHenry;  -I.  McMillen,  Nunda;  .lames  Nish, 

Algonquin;  II.  Undervi I.  Riley;  A.  D.  Stewart.  Marengo;  Seth  Lewis, 

Marengo  village;  o.  e.  Diggins,  Dunham:  .1.  ('.  Crumb,  Chemung;  R. 
Gardner,  Harvard;  B.  B.  Richards,  W [stock. 

1872— Henry  Underwood,  Riley;  A.  I).  Stewart.  Marengo;  Orson 
('.  Diggins,  Dunham;  -I.  C.  Crumb,  Chemung;  William  II.  Groesbeck, 
Alden;  R.  I).  Cooney.  Hartland;  Thomas  .Mid).  Richards.  Seneca;  S.   K. 

Bartholomew,  Coral;  James  G.  Templeton,  Grafton;  M.  L.  Joslyn,  Dorr; 

George  II.  Garrison,  Greenw 1:  Sam  W.  Brown,  Hebron;  William  A. 

McConnell  (chairman),  Richmond ;  Lewis  Hatch,  Burton;  P.  R.  Granger, 
McHenry;  Amos  D.  Whiting,  Nunda;  M.  Butterfield,  Marengo  village; 
L.  H.  Davis.  Woodstock;  A.  E.  Blake,  Harvard. 

1873— Lewis  Hatch,  Burton;  Z.  E.  Goodrich,  Marengo;  0.  C.  Dig- 
gins, Dunham;  Robert  Gardner,  Chemung;  R.  0.  Southmayd,  Alden; 

Rodderick  B.  Cooney,  Hartland;  Charles  O.  Parsons,  Seneca;  s.  K. 
Bartholomew,  Coral;  .lames  0.  Templeton,  Grafton;  Blam  M.  Land). 
Dorr;  Henry  Bckert,  Greenwood;  Charles  S.  Adams,  Hebron;  William 
A.  McConnell  (chairman),  Richmond;  Lewis  Hatch,  Burton;  -I.  W. 
Christy,  McHenry;  Albert  II.  Colby,  Nunda;  Edwin  II.  Benson,  Algon- 
quin; M.  Butterfield,  village;  unspecified,  II.  W.  Axtel.  .1.  s.  Wheat. 
Is?  I  — II.  X.  Axtel.  Kiley;  Z.   E.  Goodrich.  Marengo;  0.  C.  Diggins, 


HISTORY  OF  MoHENRY  COUNTY  (IT 

Dunham;  James  Thompson,  Chemung;  R.  <>.  Southmayd,  Alden;  R,  1>. 
Cooney,  Hartland;  Orsamus  Turner,  Seneca;  S.  K.  Bartholomew,  Coral; 
George  Van  Valkenburg,  Grafton;  Blam  M.  Lamb,  Dorr;  George  II. 
Garrison,  Greenwood;  Sam  W.  Brown,  Eebron;  William  A.  McConnell 

(chairman),  Richm I;  J.  II.  Cooley,  Burton;  J.  W.  Cristy,  McHenry; 

B.  I-'.  Peck,  Nunda;  Edwin  II.  Benson,  Algonquin;  ans] ified,  Benry 

Baker,  M.  Butterfield. 

1875     Ira  B.  Searles,  Riley;  Z.  B.  G Irich,  Marengo;  0.  C.   Dig 

-in-.  Dunham;  James  Thompson,  Chemung;  R.  0.  Southmayd,  Alden; 

R.  D.  Cooney,  Hartland;  C.  0.  Parsons,  Sim n  ;  s.   K.   Bartholomew, 

Curat ;  George  Van  Valkenburg,  Grafton;  M.   L.  Joslyn,  Dorr;  G.   IP 
Garrison,  Greenwood;  S.  W.  Brown,   Hebron;  William  A.  McConnell 
(chairman),   Richmond;  -Ins.    II.   Cooley,    Burton;  •).   W.   Cristy,   Mc 
Henry;  D.  P.  Peck,  Nunda;  James  Nish,  Algonquin;  unspecified,  S.  S. 
i  Irandall,  Henry  Baker. 

L876     lia   K.  Searles.  Riley;  Z.   B.  Goodrich,  Marengo;  0.  C.  Di<- 
gins  (chairman),  Dunham;  James  Thompson,  Chemunjr:  II.  0.  South 
mayd.  Allien;  R.  1).  Cooney,  Hartland;  Charles  <».  Parsons.  Seneca;  Cal 

vin  Gilbert,  Coral;  I).  E.  W 1.  Grafton;  M.  I..  Joslyn,  Dorr;  George 

II.  Garrison,  Greenwood;  Sam  W.  Brown,  Hebron;  Marcus  Poote,  Rich- 
mond;  Joseph  II.  Cooley,  Burton;  John  M.  Smith,  McHenry;  B.  P. 
Peek.  Nunda;  C.  P.  Dike,  Algonquin;  unspecified,  I!.  M.  Patrick. 

1877  ha  B.  Searles,  Wiley;  'A.  B.  Goodrich,  Marengo;  <>.  C.  Dig 
-ins  (chairman),  Dunham;  James  Thompson,  Chemung;  Sam  Cutter, 
Ahlen;  R.  D.  Cooney,  Hartland;  C.  <>.  Parsons.  Seneca;  Lester  Barber, 
Coral;  George  Van  Valkenburg,  Grafton;  M.  P.  •Joslyn,  Don-;  George 
II.  Garrison,  Greenw 1;  Alfred  Wilcox,  Hebron;  Marcus  Poote,  Rich- 
mond; Robert  Richardson,  Burton;  J.  W.  Christy.  McHenry;  15.  I-'. 
Peek.  Nunda;  John  Gillilan,  Algonquin;  unspecified,  R.  M.   Patrick. 

L878 — Henry  Underwood,  Riley;  Thomas  W.  Porter.  Marengo;  <*.  C. 
Diggins,  Dunham;  .lames  Thompson,  Chemung;  Sam  Cutter.  Ahlen; 
William  Conklin,  Hartland;  C.  0.  Parsons.  Seneca;  Lester  Barber 
Coral;  John  S.  Cummings,  Grafton;  M.  P.  Joslyn,  Dorr;  (leor-v  II 
Garrison,  Greenwood;  A.  Wilcox,  Hebron;  W.  A.  McConnell  (chair 
mani,  Richmond;  Chauncy  Sweet,  Burton;  J.  W.  Cristy,  McHenry; 
P..  P.  Peek,  Nunda;  G.  S.  Prary,  Algonquin;  unspecified,  (i.  P..  Adams, 
A.    P.    Axtell,   Alfred    Wilcox. 

1879— Henry  Onderwood,  Riley;  Z.  E.  Goodrich,  Marengo;  0.  E. 
Diggins,  Dunham:  James  Thompson,  Chemung;  Samuel  Cutter.  Alden; 
William  G.  Conklin,   Hartland;  C.   0.    Parsons.   Seneca;    Lester    Barber, 


68  BISTORT  OF  M<  HENRY  COUNTS' 

Coral;  John  S.  Cummings,  Grafton;  Flam  M.  Lamb,  Dorr;  G.  II.  Gar- 
rison, Greenwood;  Alfred  Wilcox,  Hebron;  \V.  A.  McConnell  (chair- 
man), Richmond;  Chauncy  Sweet,  Burton;  -I.  W.  Cristy,  McHenry; 
1'..  F.  I "•■ck.  Nunda;  G.  F.  Prary,  Algonquin;  unspecified,  -l  R  Curtis, 
A.  E.  Axi.ll. 

L880  II.  Underwood,  Riley;  Z.  K.  Goodrich,  Marengo;  <».  c.  I >i.^- 
•_rins.  Dunham;  James  Thompson,  Chemung;  Samuel  Cutter,  Alden; 
liam  G.  Conklin,  Hartland;  G.  W.  Goodrich,  Seneca;  Lester  Barber, 
Coral;  William  G.  Sawyer,  Grafton;  Elam  M.  Lamb,  Dorr;  G.  II.  Gar- 
rison, Greenwood;  Alfred  Wilcox,  Hebron;  W.  A.  McConnell  (chair- 
man), Richmond;  Lewis  Hatch,  Burton;  .1.  W.  Cristy,  McHenry;  B.  I-'. 
Peck,  Nunda;  G.  S.  Prary,  Algonquin;  unspecified,  T.  R.  Curtiss,  B.  A. 
Wade. 

1881  Amory  Barber,  Riley;  '/..  B.  Q [rich,  Marengo;  John  Simw- 

den,  Dunham;  II.  S.  Williams,  Chemung;  Samuel  Cutter,  Alden;  Daniel 
Flavin,  Hartland;  G.  W.  Goodrich,  Seneca;  Lester  Barber,  Coral;  Wil- 
liam (i.  Sawyer,  Graf  ton ;   Elam  M.   Lamb,   Dorr;  George   II.  Garrison. 

Greene I;  Alfred  Wilcox,  Hebron;  William  A.  McConnell  (chairman  . 

Richmond;  Charles  Mead,  Burton;  -I.  W.  Cristy,  McHenrj  ;  Henry  Kel- 
ler, Xumla  :  G.  S.  Prary,  Algonquin;  unspecified,  I.  R.  Curtis. 

1882  Amory  Barber,  Riley;  '/..  E.  Goodrich,  Marengo;  John  Snow- 
den,  Dunham;  II.  S.  Williams.  Chemung;  Sam  Cutter,  Alden;  I).  II. 
Flavin.  Hartland;  G.  W.  Goodrich,  Seneca;  Lester  Barber,  Coral;  W  G 
Sawyer,  Grafton;  Elam  M.  Lamb,  Dorr;  George  II.  Garrison,  Green- 
wood; II.  W.  Mra«l,  Hebron;  W.  A.  McConnell  (chairman),  Richmond; 
Pred  Hatch,  Burton;  Joseph  W.  Cristy,  McHenry;  Henry  Keller, 
Xumla ;  C.  s.  Prary,  Algonquin;  unspecified,  I.  R.  Curtis,  Owen   Mc- 

1883 — John  Hadsall,  Riley;  Ira  Ii.  Curtiss  (chairman),  Marengo; 
John  Snowden,  Dunham;  II.  s.  Williams.  Chemung;  W.  II.  Groesbeck, 
Aid. mi  ;  D.  II.  Flavin.  Hartland;  G.  W.  Goodrich,  Seneca;  Lester  Bar- 
ber, Coral;  W.  <;.  Sawyer,  Grafton;  Elam  M.  Lamb,  Dorr;  G.  II.  Gar 

rison,  Greenti 1;  II.  W.  Mead,  Hebron;  A.  R.  Alexander,  Richmond; 

Archdale  Wray,  Burton;  Richard  Bishop,  McHenry;  William  Butler, 
Xumla;  C    P.   Dike   Algonquin;   unspecified.   I'-.   S.    Parker. 

1884 — John  Hadsall.   Riley;   [ra    R.   Curtiss   (chairman),   Marei 
John  Snowden.  Dunham;  II.  S.  Williams.  Chemung;  W.   II.  Groesbeck, 
Alden;  1).  11.  Flavin.  Hartland;  (I.  W.  Goodrich,  Seneca;  Lester  Bar- 
ber, Coral;  W.  G.  Sawyer,  Grafton;  Flam  M.  Lamb,  Dorr;  George  II 
Garrison,  Greenwood;  II.  W.  Mead,  Hebron;  A.   R.  Alexander.  Rich- 


BISTORT  OF  .\l<  IIFXUY  COUNT'S  69 

nmn, I;  Fred  Hatch,  Burton;  Richard  Bishop,  McHenry;  -I.  II  Palmer, 
Nunda  ;  C.  P.  Dike,  Algonquin. 

1885— Amory  Barber,  Riley;  Ira  Curtiss,  Marengo;  R.  J.  Beck,  Dun- 
ham; H.  S.  Williams.  Chemung;  W.   II.  Qroesbeck,  Alden;   Daniel    II 
Flavin,  Hartland ;  G.  B.  Richards,  Seneca;  '/..  E.  Goodrich,  dual;  \V.  (i. 
Sawyer.  Grafton;   Elam   M.   Lamb,   Dorr;  George   II    Garrison,  Greeri 

« I;  II.  W.  Mead,  Hebron;  A.  R.  Alexander,  Richmond;  Pred  Hatch, 

Burton;  P.  K.  Granger,  McHenry;  .1.  II.  Palmer,  Nunda;  C.  I-'.  Dike, 
Algonquin. 

18S6 — Amory  Barber,  Riley;  R.  M.  Patrick,  Marengo;  A.  -I.  Shurl 
leflE  (chairman),  Village  of  Marengo;  R.  -I.  Beck,  Dunham;  II.  S.  Wil- 
liams. Chemung;  M.  W.  Lake,  Harvard  village;  Samuel  Cutter,  Alden; 

Daniel  II.  Flavin.  Haitian. 1:  George  B.  Richards,  Seneca;  '/..  K.  <i I 

rich,  Coral;  W.  G.  Sawyer.  Grafton;  Flam  M.  Lamb.  Dorr;  George  II. 
Garrison,  Greenwood;  II.  W.  Mead,  Hebron;  A.  R.  Alexander.  Rich- 
mond; Fred  Hatch,  Burton;  F.  K.  Granger,  McHenry;  -I.  II.  Palmer, 
Nunda ;  C.  P.  Dike.  Algonquin. 

L887 — John  Hadsall,  Riley;  A.  I'..  Coon,  Marengo;  Keren  Woodard 
(chairman),  Village  Marengo;  R.  J.  Beck,  Dunham;  II.  S.  Williams, 
Chemung;    M.    W.    Fake,    Harvard;    Sam   Cutter.    Alden;    1).    II.    Flavin. 

Hartland;  G.  B.  Richards,  Seneca;  T.  E.  Stevens.  Coral;  John  Welt- 
zein.  Grafton;  Flam  M.  Lamb,  Dorr;  George  IF  Harrison,  Greenwood; 
Henry  W.  .Mead.  Hebron;  A.  R.  Alexander,  Richmond;  Pred  Hatch, 
Burton;  F.  K.  Granger,  McHenry;  Joint  IF  Palmer,  Nunda;  C.  P. 
Dike,  Algonquin. 

1888 — John  Hadsall,  Riley;  A.  B.  Coon,  Marengo;  Loren  Woodard, 
Village  of  Marengo;  R.  J.  Beck,  Dunham;  H.  B.  Williams.  Chemung; 
M.  W.  Lake,  Harvard  Village;  W.  II.  Groesbeck,  Alden;  Daniel  II. 
Flavin,  Hartland;  (i.  B.  Richards,  Seneca;  I*'.  E.  Stevens,  Coral;  -John 
Weltzein.  Grafton;  Flam  M.  Lamb,  Don-;  Samuel  F.  Clark,  Greenwood; 
G.  W.  Coon.  Hebron;  Fred  Hatch,  Burton;  F.  K.  Granger,  McHenry; 
John  Gracy,  Algonquin. 

L889  -Amory  Barber,  Riley;  A.J.  Shurtleff,  Marengo;  Loren  Wood- 
ard. Village  Marengo;  R.  -I.  Beck,  Dunham;  II.  s.  Williams.  Chemung; 
William  II.  Groesbeek,  Alden;  Daniel  II.  Flavin,  Hartland;  George  B. 
Richards,  Seneca;  F.  E.  Stevens,  Coral;  John  Welt/em,  Grafton;  F.  T. 
Hoy,  Dorr;  Erastus  Richards,  City  W Istock;  Samuel  F.  Clark,  Green- 
wood; C  W.  Conn,  Hebron;  A.  K.  Alexander.  Richmond;  F.  W.  Howe, 
Village  Richmond;    Fred    Hatch,    Burton;   F.   K.   Granger,    McHenry; 


70  BISTORT?  OF  MrllKMJY  COUNTY 

J.  II.  Qracy,  Nanda;  Lafe  Benthusen,  Village  Nunda;  W.  P.  Thompi 
son,  Algonquin. 

1890     A  in.  .i\    Barber,  Riley;  C.  P.  Wright,  Marengo;  Loren  W 1 

ard,  Corporation  of  Marengo;  R.  J.  Beck,  Dunham;  II.  S.  Williams, 
Chemung;  M.  W.  Lake,  Corporation  of  Barvard;  W.  II.  Groesbeck, 
Alden;  Daniel  II.  Flavin,  Bartland;  Q.  B.  Richards,  Seneca;  F.  E. 
Stevens,  Coral;  John  Weltzein,  Buntley;   I..  'I'.   Boy,   Dorr;    Erastus 

Richards,  Corporation  of  Woodstock;  George  II.  Garrison,  Greenvi 1; 

(i.  W.  Conn,  Bebron;  A.  R.  Alexander,  Richmond;  Fred  Batch,  Bur- 
ton; K.  K.  Granger,  McEenry;  -I.  II.  Gracy,  Nunda;  W.  1'.  Thompson, 
Algonquin. 

L891  Amory  Barber,  Riley;  C.  1'.  Wright,  Marengo;  R.  M.  Pat- 
rick, Corporation  of  Marengo;  R.  -I.  Beck,  Dunham;  II.  S.  Williams, 
Chemung;  \V.  II.  Groesbeck,  Alden ;  William  Desmond,  Bartland;  G.  B. 
Richards,  Seneca;  F.  E.  Stevens,  Coral;  John  Wiltzein,  Grafton;  I..  T. 
Boy,  Dorr;  George  II.  Garrison,  Greenwood;  G.  W.  Conn,  Bebron; 
A.  R.  Alexander,  Richmond;  A.  B.  Stevens.  Burton;  P.  K.  Granger, 
McHenry;  J.  II.  Gracy,  Nunda;  W.  P.  Thompson,  Algonquin. 

1892  Amory  Barber,  Riley;  C.  P.  Wright,  Marengo;  S.  K.  Bar 
tholomew,  Corporation  of  Marengo;  R.  J.  Black,  Dunham;  P.  P.  Axtell, 
Chemung;  W.  II.  Groesbeck,  Alden;  William  Desmond,  Bartland; 
George  B.  Richards,  Seneca;  V.  E.  Stevens.  Coral;  John  Wiltbzein, 
Grafton;  L.  F.  Hoy,  Dorr;  S.  E.  Clark,  Greenwood;  (i.  W.  Conn,  He- 
bron; George  McConnell,  Richmond;  B.  A.  Stevens,  Burton;  F.  K. 
Granger,  McBenry;  J.  II.  Gracy,  Nunda;  W.  II.  Thompson,  Algonquin. 

1893— Nathan  Brotzman,  Riley;  C.  P.  Wright,  Marengo;  E.  D. 
Shurtlelf,  Corporation  of  Marengo;  R.  J.  Beck,  Dunham;  F.  F.  Axtell, 
Chemung;  George  Ruston,  Alden;  William  Desmond,  Bartland;  G.  B. 
Richards,  Seneca;  P.  E.  Stevens,  Coral;  John  Weltzein,  Grafton;  L.  T. 
Hoy,  Dorr;  S.  E.  Clark,  Greenwood;  G.  W.  Conn,  Hebron;  George  .Mc- 
Connell. Richmond;  J.  N.  Burton,  Corporation  of  Richmond;  A.  M. 
Wray,  Burton;  William  Cristy,  McHenry;  J.  II.  Gracy,  Nunda;  W.  I'. 
Tl ipson,  Algonquin. 

1894— D.  A.  Seanor,  Riley;  C.  P.  Wright,  Marengo;  A.  R.  Thomp- 
son, Dunham;  P.  P.  Axtell,  Chemung;  J.  N.  Woodburry,  Alden;  Wil- 
liam Desmond,  Bartland;  F.  E.  Stevens.  Coral;  John  Weltzein,  Graf- 
ton; S.  E.  Clark,  Greenwood;  George  .McConnell.  Richmond;  J.  B. 
Gracy,  Nunda.  In  189")  the  practice  was  adopted  and  continued  of 
electing  the  supervisors  for  a  period  of  two  years  so  that  from  thai  date 


BISTORY  OP  McHENRY  (  OUNTY  71 

on  one-half  of  the  board  was  composed  of  newly  elected  members  each 
year. 

1895-96  X.  Brotzman,  Riley;  Robert  J.  Beck,  Dunham;  \V.  D. 
Comae,  Alden;  George  B.  Richards,  Seneca;  L.  T.  Boy,  Dorr;  H.  F. 
Jones,  Behron;  A.  M.  Wray,  Burton;  W.  A.  Cristy,  McHenry;  W.  P. 
Thompson,  Algonquin;  E.  I).  Shurtleff,  Marengo;  William  Desmond, 
Bartland;  P.  E.  Stevens.  Coral;  John  Weltzein,  Grafton;  S.  E.  Clark, 
Greenwood;  George  W.  McConnell,  Richmond;  -1.  11.  Gracy,  Nunda. 

1897-98— X.  Brotzman,  Riley;  R.  -I.  Beck,  Dunham;  W.  I).  Cornue, 
Alden;  J.  S.  -Mills.  Seneca;  I..  T.  liny.  Dorr:  II.  F.  Jones,  Hebron; 
Frank  W.  Batch,  Burton;  W.  A.  Cristy,  McHenry;  James  Nish,  Al- 
gonquin; Ed.  1).  Shurtleff,  Marengo;  James  Lake.  Chemung;  William 
Desmond,  Bartland;  J.  II.  Gracy,  Nunda;  F.  E.  Stevens,  Coral;  S.  E. 
Clark.  Greenwood;  I..  B.  Covell,  Richmond;  John   Weltzein,  Grafton. 

1899-1900— N.  Brotzman,  Riley;  R.  -I.  Beck,  Dunham;  W.  I).  Cor- 
nue, Alden;  J.  S.  Mills.  Seneca;  L.  T.  Hoy,  Dorr;  Henry  M.  Turner, 
Bebron;  F.  W.  Batch,  Burton;  William  A.  Cristy.  McHenry;  L.  E. 
Mentch,  Algonquin;  E.  D.  Patrick,  Marengo;  James  Lake,  Chemung; 
William  Desmond,  Bartland;  F.  E.  Stevens,  Coral;  John  Weltzein, 
Grafton;  S.  E.  Clark,  Greenwood;  L.  B.  Covell,  Richmond;  -I.  II.  Gracy, 
Nunda, 

1901-02— X.  Brotzman.  Riley;  C.  M.  Stevenson,  Dunham;  John  Bal- 
dock,  Alden;  J.  S.  .Mills,  Seneca;  L.  T.  Hoy.  Dorr;  II.  M.  Turner, 
Bebron;  Frank  W.  Batch,  Burton;  William  A.  Cristy,  McHenry;  L.  E. 
Mentch,  Algonquin;  J.  M.  .Marks,  Marengo;  James  Lake.  Chemung; 
William  Desmond,  Bartland;  J.  II.  Calbow,  Coral;  John  Weltzein. 
Grafton;  S.  E.  Clark,  Greenwood;  L.  B.  Covell,  Richmond;  Ben.  Throop, 
Nunda. 

1903-04—  II.  E.  Whipple,  Dunham;  John  Baldock,  Alden;  F.  D. 
Perkins,  Seneca;  William  S.  McConnell,  Dorr;  II.  M.  Turner.  Hebron; 
Prank  W.  Batch,  Burton;  Simon  Stoffel,  McHenry;  L.  E.  Mentch.  Al- 
gonquin; A.  A.  Crissey,  Marengo;  James  Lake.  Chemung;  William 
Desmond,  Bartland;  J.  B.  Calbow.  Coral;  John  Weltzein,  Grafton; 
M.  Long,  Greenwood;  L.  B.  Covell,  Richmond;  Ben  Throop,  Nunda. 

1905-06-  X.  Brotzman,  Riley;  II.  F.  Whipple,  Dunham;  John  Bal- 
dock,   Alden;    F.    D.    IVrkins.    Seneca  ;    W.    S.    Mr( 'onnell,    IWr;    B.    M. 

Turner,  Hebron;  Jesse  B.  Richardson,  Burton;  James  C.  Ladd,  Mc- 
Henry; L.  F.  Weltzein,  Algonquin;  A.  A.  Cristy,  Marengo;  James 
Lake.    Chemung;   William    Desmond,    llartland;   J.    II.    Calbow.    Coral; 


7i'  BISTORT  OP  M(  BENRY  COUNTY 

II.  P,  Beinemann,  Grafton;  C.  W.  Thompson,  Greenwood;  I..  1'..  Covell, 
Richn 1 :  Ben  Throop,  Nunda. 

liiiiT  n-  \\  Brotzman,  Riley;  II.  B.  Whipple,  Dunham;  John  Bal- 
do  I;.  .\  1 . 1  ■  -i i :  F.  I).  Perkins,  Seneca;  E.  <'.  Jewett,  Dorr;  II.  M  Turner, 
Bebron;  J.  B.  Richards,  Burton;  J.  C.  Ladd,  McHenry;  I..  B.  Mentch, 
Algonquin;  A.  A.  Crissey,  Mi  W.  II.  Ward,  Chemung;  William 

Desmond,  Bartland;  -I.  B.  Williams,  Coral;  II  S.  Beinnemann,  Graf- 
ton; < '.  W.  Thompson,  Greenwood;  I..  B.  Covell,  Richmond;  Ben  Throop, 
Nunda. 

1!)()!)-10— X.    Brotzman,    Kilcy;    Delos   M.   Wright,   Marengo;    II     B. 
Whipple,  Dunham;  John  Baldock,  Alden;  F.  D.  Perkins,  Seneca;  B    ' 
Jewett,   Dorr;   II.  M.  Turner,   Bebron;  .1.   P.   Richardson,   Burton;   II. 
Preund,   McHenry;  I..   B.  Mentch,   Algonquin;   Delos  M.   Wright,   Ma- 
rengo;  F.    II.    Ward,  Chemung;   William    Desmond,    Bartland;  -l     E 
Williams,  Coral;   II.   P.   Beinnemann,  Grafton;    B.   C.  Jewett,    Dorr; 

('.   W.  Thompson,  Greenw 1;  I..   B.  Covell,  Richmond;  Ben  Throop, 

Nunda. 

1911-12— N.  Brotzman,  Riley;  II.  B.  Whipple,  Dunham;  John  Bal- 
dock, Alden;  F.  I).  Perkins,  Seneca;  II.  M.  Turner,  Bebron;  .1.  B. 
Richardson,  Burton;  S.  B.  Preund,  McHenry;  Robert  E.  Haider.  Al- 
gonquin; I).  M.  Wright,  Marengo;  W.  II.  Ward.  Chemung;  William 
Porrest,  Bartland;  .1.  B.  Williams,  Coral;  John  Donoahue,  Grafton; 
John  E.  Harrison.  Greenwood;  L.  B.  Covell,  Richmond;  A.  II.  Hair. 
Nunda. 

1913-14 — X.  Brotzman.  Riley;  II.  B.  Whipple,  Dunham;  John  Bal- 
dock. Alden;  P.  I).  Perkins,  Seneca;  Fred  II.  Walters.  Dorr:  II.  M. 
Garner,  Bebron;  -I.  l'».  Richardson,  Burton;  S.  II.  Preund,  McHenry; 
Robert  B.  Baeger,  Algonquin;  I).  M.  Wright,  Marengo;  W.  II.  Ward, 
Chemung;  William  P.  Porrest,  Bartland;  P.  A.  Raenie,  Coral;  John 
Donahue,  Grafton;  John  E.  Harrison.  Greenwood;  L.  B.  Covell.  Rich- 
mond: Alva  II.  Hale.  Nunda. 

1915-16— N.  Brotzman,  Riley:  II.  B.  Whipple,  Dunham:  John  Bal- 
dock, Alden;  Bd.  P.  Knecker,  Seneca;  F.  A.  Walters,  Dorr;  II.  M. 
Turner,  Bebron;  W.  P.  Pierce.  Burton;  s.  II.  Preund,  McHenry;  Rob- 
ert B.  Baeger,  Algonquin;  D.  M.  Wright,  Marengo;  W.  II.  Ward.  Che- 
mung; W.  II.  Forrest.  Hartlaiul  ;  Charles  Aekman.  Jr..  Coral:  John 
Donahue,  Greenwood;  P.  P.  Covell,  Richmond;  Aha  II.  Hale.  Nunda. 

P'17-18— H.  Stanley,  Riley;  II.  C  Whipple,  Dunham;  II.  G.  Durkes, 
Aide,,;  B.  P.  Knecker,  Seneca;  F.  A.  Walters,  Dorr;  II.  M.  Turner. 
Bebron;   W.   F.   Pierce,   Burton;  S.   II.  Preund,   McHenry;   Roberl    B. 


HISTORY  OF  Mi  HENRY  COUNTY  73 

Haeger,  Algonquin;  l>.  M.  Wright,  Marengo;  W.  II.  Ward,  Chemung; 
Bar)  C.  Hughes,  Hartland;  Charles  II.  Ackman,  Jr.,  Coral;  John  Con 
ley,  Grafton;  John  B.  Harrison,  Greenwood;  L.  B.  Covell,  Richmond; 

A.  II.   Hale,   Xunda. 

1919-20  II.  Stanley,  Riley;  I).  M.  Wright,  Marengo;  II.  E.  Whip- 
ple, Dunham;  W.  II.  Ward,  Chemung;  II.  G.  Durkee,  Alden;  E.  C. 
Hughes,  Hartland;  E.  F.  Knecker,  Seneca;  Charles  Ackerman,  Jr., 
Coral;  John  Conley,  Grafton;  E.  A.  Walters,  Dorr;  J.  E.  Harrison, 
Greenwood;  II.  M.  Turner,  Hebron;  L.  1!.  Covell,  Richmond;  W.  P. 
Pierce,  Burton;  Stephen  II.  Freund,  McHenry;  A.  II.  Hale,  Nunda; 
K.  F.  Haeger,  Algonquin. 

The  presenl  board  is  composed  of  the  following:  II.  II.  Barber, 
Rilej  ;  D.  M.  Wright,  Marengo;  II.  E.  Whipple,  Dunham;  W.  II.  Ward, 
Chemung;  II.  G.  Durkee,  Alden;  E.  C.  Hughes,  Hartland;  E.  F.  Kueker, 
Seneca;  Charles  Ackerman,  Jr.,  Coral;  John  Conley,  Grafton;  P.  A. 
Walters,  Don';  L.  X.  Thompson,  Greenwood;  II.  M.  Turner,  Hebron;  F. 

B.  McConnell,  Richmond;  Frank  .May.  Burton;  Stephen  II.  Freund,  Mc- 
Henry; A.  II.  Hale,  Nunda;  R.  F.  Haeger,  Algonquin. 

NEW  ASSESSMENT  LAW 

The  Legislature  Of  Illinois  in  the  winter  of  lill,S-l!l,  enacted  a  law 
which  has  changed  the  old  rati'  of  assessment  in  the  State  which  was 
one-third  of  the  actual  value  of  real  estate,  to  one-half.  So  that  now 
where  the  assessor  places  the  amount  of  "assessed  valuation"  on  a  given 
property  to  be  $1,000.  it  signifies  that  such  property  has  a  supposed 
actual  cash   value  of  $2,000. 

This  [aw  went  into  immediate  effect  and  this  caused  quite  an  extra 
burden  upon  the  part  of  county  officials  in  order  to  comply  with  the  new 
enactment.    In  most  cases  the  assessor's  hooks  had  already  been  turned 

Over   to  the  county   clerk   and   now  this  officer   is  compelled   In   ;issis|    the 
hoard  of  review    in  carrying  out  or  extending  a  new  column   in  all  hooks 

relating  to  realty  in  the  several  townships,  in  order  that  the  "valuation" 

he   in   accord   with   the   provisions  of   the   new    law.     This   .Iocs   not    mean, 

necessarily,  that  the  taxes  will  he  any  higher  than  heretofore.   This  is  a 

matter  of  the  disposition  of  the  people  in  each  county.    The  former  pro- 
vision was  one  by  which  there  could  not  lie  raised  at  the  legal  amount  of 

levy  allowed   ach   dollar's   worth   of   property,   a   SUfficienl    amount    to 

meet  th.   demands  in  some  of  the  counties  in  the  commonwealth.     But  by 


71  HISTORY  OF   McIIEXRY  COUNTY 

giving  a  higher  "assessed  value"  a  larger  sum  can  be  obtained  within  the 
constitutional   tax   limit  per  dollar. 

In  McHenry  Counts-  there  lias  in  reality  not  been  much  change  of 

"assessed   valuations"   for  the  last    ten  years.      The  board  of   review    had 

complex  work  in  adjusting  the  assessments  to  corresj I  with  the  times 

anil   with   the   new   valuation   law   aliove   named. 


CHAPTER  VI 

POLITICAL  REPRESENTATION 

By  M.  P.  Walsh 

* 

SEVERAL    APPORTIONMENTS — EARLY    REPRESENTATIVES LATER    REPRESENTA- 
TIVES  A    CAPABLE    OFFICIAL MEMBERS    OF    THE    GENERAL    ASSEMBLY 

STATE      SENATORS — STATE      REPRESENTATIVES — POLITICAL      STATISTICS — 
PRESIDENTIAL  VOTE. 

Under  the  constitution  of  1848  McIIenry  County  became  a  part  of  the 
Twenty-fourth  Senatorial  district  with  Boone  and  Winnebago  counties, 
and  with  Boone  County  formed  the  Fifty-first  Representative  District. 
In  1854  it  was  associated  with  Lake  County  in  a  Senatorial  and  with 
Boone  in  a  Representative  District.  In  18,sl  it  was  made  a  part  of  the 
Twenty-third  Senatorial  District,  with  Boone,  Winnebago  and  Lake,  and 
this  political  unit  existed  until  the  apportionment  of  1872,  which  ushered 
in  what  became  known  as  the  minority  system  of  representation,  each 
district  being  entitled  to  one  senator  and  three  representatives. 

.McIIenry  and  Lake  counties  formed  the  Eighth  District,  Boone  having 
been  added  in  1 SS2  and  this  political  division  had  made  up  the  Eighth 
Senatorial  District  to  the  present  time. 

EARLY  REPRESENTATIVES 

McIIenry  County  obtained  its  first  resident  representative  in  the 
general  assemhly  in  184S,  when  John  F.  Gray  was  elected  to  the  lower 
house.  Two  years  later  the  county  had  two  representatives  al  Springfield 
in  the  persons  of  A.  II.  Nixon  and  George  Gage,  the  former  being  re- 
elected for  the  third  term  in  18f>4,  when  II 'lt  (Jaire,  after  a  service  in 

the  lower  house,  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate,  thus  being  entitled  to  the 
distinction  of  being  the  first  state  senator  elected  from  McIIenry  County. 

Wcstley  Digginfl  was  elected  to  the  lower  house  in  lS,")(i  and  Lawrence 
S.  Church  in  1858,  1860  and  1862,  in  which  year  Thaddeus  B.  Wakeman 
was  elected  to  the  lower  house.    Merritt  L.  Joslyn  was  elected  to  the  lower 

75 


7i,  HISTORY  OF  Mi  BENRY  COUNTY 

house  in   1864  and  was  succ led  by  T.  B.  Wakeman   in   1866.     Peter 

W.  Deitz  was  elected  in  1868,  while  William  A.  McConnell  and  Era  B 
Curtiss  were  both  elected  in  ls7n.  in  whal  was  known  as  the  Ninety-third 
district. 

Richard  Bishop  was  the  firs!   Democral  ever  elected  from  McHenry 
County,  his  election  taking  place  in  1872,  in  which  year  P.  K.  Granger 
was  the  Republican  elected.    Mr.  Granger  was  re  elected  in  ls7  I.    .Men-it t 
I..  Joslyn  «as  elected  to  the  stale  senate  in  ls7<i  and  Mr.  Grange] 
turned  to  the  house  in  lv7s. 

LATER    BEPRESENTATT*  ES 

Orson  c.  Diggins,  a  Republican,  and  -lames  Thompson,  a  Democrat, 
were  both  elected  to  the  lower  house  in  lsso.  Charles  II.  Tryon  was 
eleeteil  in  1882  and  Ira  K.  Curtiss  elected  state  senator  in  lssl.    Gardner 

S.  Soutbworth  was  elected  to  the  house  in  lS.sS  and  Knhert  J.  I'.eek 
chosen  at   a  special  election   to  succeed    B.  M.   Haines,  deceased,  July    15, 

1890.  Mr.  I'.eek  served  in  two  later  sessions  of  the  general  assembly,  hav- 
ing been  elected  in   1SHL'  and   1>!U.     John  C.  Donnelly  was  elected  to  the 

house  iii  1890,  re  elected  iii  1892  and  1898. 

Edward  I).  Shurtleff  was  elected  in  1900  and  has  served  continuously 

for  twenty  years,  his  firsl  election  to  the  I se  taking  place  in  the  autumn 

of  1900,  making  ten  terms  he  has  served  this  county  and  district.  James 
II.  Yiekers  was  elected  to  the  house  in  liHO,  re-elected  in  1914,  1916  and 
1918. 

A  CAPABLE  OFFICIAL 

While  McHenry  County  has  always  been  fortunate  in  the  high  type 
of  men  it  has  chosen  as  its  representatives  at  Springfield  it  is  not  dis- 
paraging to  any  of  them  to  say  that  to  Edward  I).  Shurtleff  belongs  the 
distinction  of  exerting  the  greatest  influence  as  a  legislator  and  attaining 

the  greatest  reputation. 

For  three  t (Tills  Mr.  Shurtleff  was  elected  speaker  of  the  lower  house 

and  made  an  enviable  record.    When  seeking  renomination  in  the  primary 

campaign  of  l!HN  and  w  hen  it  appeared  as  if  his  candidacy  was  in  danger, 
Governor  Lowden,  without  knowledge  of  Mr.  Shurtleff,  paid  the  latter 
the  following  high  tribute  when  a  country  newspaper  sought  the  Gover- 
nor's estimate  of  Shurtleff: 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  77 

Springfield,  111..  Sept.  I.  1918. 
Mr.  W.  J.  Smith, 

Waukegan,  111. 
Edward  D.  Shurtleff  was  my  dependence  in  the  house  of  Representa- 
tives in  enacting  my  program  into  law  in  thai  general  assembly. 

There  will  In'  much  important  legislation  for  the  consideration  of 
the  coming  general  assembly  ami  .Mi-.  Shurtleff  will  be  of  more  use  to  the 
people  of  ilic  state  ill'  Illinois  than  a  dozen  ordinary  men. 

I  hope  tli<'  Eighth  senatorial  district  will  again  send  this  useful 
veteran  legislator  to  Springfield  as  one  of  iis  representatives. 

1  would  regard  it  a  greal  misfortune  if,  Eor  any  reason.  Air.  Shurtleff 
were  not  sent  back  to  the  legislature. 

Signed:  Frank  0.  Lowden,  Governor. 

t 

MEMBERS  OF  Till'.  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  state  senators  and  representatives  for  the 
districts  in  which  McHenry  County  has  been  located  since  its  organization 
as  a  county     1838  to  1919: 

State  Senators:  1838-40,  Fhene/er  Peek;  1840-42,  John  Pearson  ; 
1842  17.  Ira  .Minard;  1846-48,  Elijah  Wilcox;  1S4S-.-.H,  Alfred  B.  Ames; 
1850-54,  Thomas  B.  Talcott;  1854-58,  George  Gage;  1858-62,  Henry 
Blodgett;  1862-66,  Cornelius  Lansing;  1866-72,  Allen  C.  Fuller;  1872- 
76,  Clark  W.  Upton;  1876-80,  Merritl  1-  Joslyn;  1880-84,  George  Kirk; 
1884-88,  Ira  A.  Curtiss;  1888-90,  Charles  B.  Puller;  1890-92,  Charles  E. 
Fuller;  1892-94,  Reuben  W.  Coon;  1894-96,  Reuben  W.  Coon;  1896-98, 
Flavel  K.  Granger;  1898-1900,  Flavel  K.  Granger;  1900-02,  D.  F.  M. 
Puller;  1902-04.  D.  P.  M.  Puller;  1904-06,  A.  X.  Tiffany;  1906-08,  A.  N. 
Tiffany;  1908-14,  Alb.  J.  Olson  (deceased). 

State  Representatives:     1S:!S  |u  -Colson  Kercheva,  Richard   Murphy 
and  Joseph  Naper  for  Cook.  Will  and  McHenry  Counties. 

1840-42 — Albert   C.   Peary.   Richard   Murphy  and   Plieiuv.er  for  Cook, 
Will  and   McHenry  Counties. 
Kalh;  Henry  Madden  for  Boone,  PeKalli,  McHenry  and  Kendall. 

t8 12-44— William  M.  Jackson  for  Kane.  McHenry,  Boone  and  De- 
McHenry,  Boone  ami  DeKalb. 

L844-46 — William  M.  Jackson,  P.  Jewell,  James  P.  Poop  for  Kane. 

1846-48— Under  the  Constitution  of  1848.  until  the  next  apportion- 
ment,  Boone   and    McHenry    Counties    formed    the   fifty-seeond    district, 


7^  HISTORY   OF   M.  HENRY   COUNTY 

entitled  to  two  representatives.  James  Harrington,  George  W.  Cest- 
Binger,  James  T.  Pierson  for  Kane,  McHenry,  Boone  and  DcKalb,  all 
served  from  the  district  in  order  given. 

1*48-50 — John  F.  Gray,  McHenry;  Selby  Leach,  Boone. 

L850-52     A.  H.  Nixon,  McHenry;  H.  C.  .Miller,  Boone. 

L852-54— A.  II.  Nixon,  McHenry;  H.  C.  Miller,  Boone. 

1854-56 — Under  the  apportionment  of  1854  Boone  and  McHenry 
Counties  constituted  the  forty-fourth  district — S.  W.  Lawrence  and  W. 
Diggins. 

1856-58— L.  8.  Church,  .McHenry;  Stephen  A.  Hurlbnt,  B< s. 

1858-60— L.  S.  Chnrch,   McHenry;  Stephen   A.   Hurlhut,  Boone. 

lsiiii-C)  The  apportionment  of  1861  made  McHenry  the  fifty-fourth 
district,  with  Thaddeus  B.  Wakeman  as  representative. 

1864-66— Merritt  L.  Joslyn. 

1866-68— Thaddeus  B.  Wakeman. 

1868-70— Peter  W.  Deitz. 

1870-72 — In  1870  McHenry  County  was  made  the  ninety-third  dis- 
trict and  had  two  representatives — William  A.  McCbnnell  and  Ira  R. 
Curtiss. 

1872-74 — By  the  apportionment  of  1872  McHenry  and  Lake  Coun- 
ties became  the  eighth  district,  entitled  to  three  representatives — Richard 
Bishop,  McHenry  County;  Plavel  K.  Granger,  McHenry;  Elisha  Grid- 
ley,  Lake  County. 

1874-76 — Plavel  K.  Granger,  McHenry;  William  A.  James,  Lake; 
Elijah  M.  Haines,  Lake. 

1876-78 — Flavel  K.  Granger,  McHenry;  William  A.  James,  Lake; 
Edward   M.   Dennis,  Lake. 

1878-80 — Frank  K.  Granger,  William  A.  James,  Lake;  William  Price, 
Lake. 

1880-82 — Orson  C.  Diggins,  McHenry;  James  Thompson,  McHenry; 
James  Pollock,  Lake. 

1882-84 — In  1882  McHenry  and  Boone  became  the  eighth  district, 
entitled  to  three  representatives — Charles  H.  Tryon,  McHenry;  E.  M. 
Haines,  Lake;  Charles  Fuller,  Boone. 

1884-86 — James  Pollock,  Charles  Fuller. 

1886-88— Charles  E.  E.  Fuller,  Charles  A.  Patridge  and  Geo.  Waite. 

1888-90— Charles  A.  Patridge,  G.  S.  Southworth  and  Elijah  Haines. 

1890-92— John  C.  Donnelly,  Charles  A.  Patridge,  George  Reed. 

1892-94 — J.  C.  Donnelly,  Robert  J.  Beck,  George  Reed. 

1894-96— George  Reed,  T.  J.  Beck,  P.  II.  Delaney. 


c    T—pr 


cs<n<riA*sQSj-'  A1)  ^c/lc  4-    ^ 


Qsrt 


HISTORY  OF  .\1,  IlLXWY  COUNTY  79 

1896-98— D.  F.  M.  Fuller,  G.  R.  Lyon. 
1898-1900— Geo.  M.  Lyon,  D.  F.  M.  Fuller. 
1900-02— Ed  D.  Shurtleff,  George  K.  Lynn,  C.  V.  Connor. 
1902-04— Ed  D.  Shurtleff,  George  K.  Lyon,  William  Desmond. 
1904-06— Frank  R.  Covey,  Ed  D.  Shurtleff,  D.  E.  Gibbons. 
1906-08— Frank  R.  Covey,  Ed  D.  Shurtleff,  D.  E.  Gibbons. 
1908-10— A.  K.  Steams,  Ed  D.  Shurtleff,  Thomas  F.  Burns. 
1910-12— Ed  D.  Shurtleff,  James  H.  Viekers,  Joseph  E.  Anderson. 
1912-14— Ed  D.  Shurtleff,  Thomas  E.  Graham,  Fayette  S.  Munro. 
1914-16— Ed  D.  Shurtleff  (McHenry  County). 
1916-18— Ed  D.  Shurtleff  (McHenry  County). 
1918-20— Ed  D.  Shurtleff  (.McHenry  County). 

POLITICAL    STATISTICS 

At  the  first  election  held  in  McHenry  County,  June  1,  1837,  the 
whole  number  of  votes  cast  was  115.  The  election  for  county  officers  was 
held  at  the  store  of  niram  Kennicott,  near  Half  Day,  on  the  Desplaines 
River,  within  the  present  county  of  Lake. 

In  1838  the  county  chose  its  first  representative  to  the  State  Legis- 
lature, electing  Dr.  Richard  Murphy,  Democrat,  over  Giles  Spring,  Whig, 
by  a  considerable  majority.  The  convention  which  nominated  the  suc- 
cessful candidate  was  held  the  first  Monday  in  March,  1838.  About 
sixty  delegates  were  present,  among  whom  were  the  following  from 
McHenry  County :  WTilliam  M.  Jackson,  Proctor  Smith,  William  Spon- 
able,  Russell  Diggins,  C.  Canfield,  William  A.  McConnell  and  A.  B. 
Coon.  Of  the  entire  number  of  delegates,  only  four  were  living  in  the 
early  eighties,  of  whom  Messrs.  Coon  and  Jackson  of  this  county  were 
survivors. 

This  county  was  solidly  Democratic  from  its  infancy  until  1856,  when 
the  impending  crisis  changed  the  majority  to  the  Republican  side,  where 
it  has  remained  ever  since. 

PRESIDENTIAL   VOTE 

The  vote  for  presidential  electors  from  1844  to  the  present  is  given 
below : 

1844— Polk,  Democratic,  668;  Clay,  Whig,  4SS  ;  scattering,  77. 

1848— Cass,  Democratic,  1,096;  Taylor,  Whig,  660;  Van  Buren,  Free- 
soil,  one  vote. 


-ii  BISTORT  OF  Mi  IlKNKY  COUNTY 

1852— Pierce,  Democratic,  1,198;  Winfield  Scott,  Whig,  886;  Bale, 
Freesoil,  645. 

185G — John  C.  Fremont,  Republican,  2,869;  James  Buchanan,  Dem- 
ocratic,  945;  Fillmore,  Know-nothing,  13. 

1860 — Abraham  Lincoln,  Republican,  3,0:?:; ;  Stephen  A.  Douglas, 
Democrat  ir,  1,444. 

1864  Abraham  Lincoln,  Republican,  2,951;  Geo.  B.  McClellan,  Dem 
ocratic,  1,188. 

1868— U.  S.  Grant,  Republican,  3,296;  Seymour,  Democratic,  1,388. 

1872— U.  s.  Grant,  Republican,  2,895;  Horace  Greeley,  Liberal,  l,oso; 
O'Connor,  Democratic,  21. 

1876— Rutherford  B.  Bayes,  Republican,  3,465;  Samuel  J.  Tilden, 
Democratic,  1,874;  Peter  Cooper,  Greenback,  34. 

1880^James  A.  Garfield,  Republican,  3,516;  W.  S.  Bancock,  Dem- 
ocratic, 1,799;  James  B.  Weaver,  Greenback,  194. 

1884  James  G.  Blaine,  Republican,  3,697;  Grover  Cleveland,  Dem- 
ocratic, 2,077;  St.  John,  Prohibitionist,  145. 

1888 — Benjamin  Harrison,  Republican,  3,563;  Grover  Cleveland, 
Democratic.  2,(K)2;  Fisk,  Prohibitionist,  322. 

1892 — Benjamin  Harrison,  Republican,  3,204;  Grover  Cleveland. 
Democratic,  2,317;  Bidwell,  Prohibitionist,  263. 

1896— William  McKinley,  Republican,  5,047;  William  Jennings 
Bryan,  Democratic,  1,910;  Gen.  John  Palmer,  Gold  Democrat,  18; 
Levering,  Prohibitionist,  102. 

1900— William  McKinley,  Republican,  5,118;  William  Jennings 
Bryan.  Democratic,  2,058;  Wooley,  Prohibitionist,  132. 

1904 — Theodore  Koovvelt,  Republican,  5,409;  William  Jennings 
Bryan,  Democrat,  1,309. 

1908 — William  Howard  Taft,  Republican,  5,331;  Democratic,  1,887. 

I'il2  William  Howard  Taft,  Republican,  2,370;  Woodrow  Wilson, 
Democratic,  1,913;  Th lore  Roosevelt,  Progressive,  3,046. 

1916— Charles  E.  Bughes,  Republican,  9,000;  Woodrow  Wilson.  Dem- 
ocratic,  3,265. 

1921  Warren  G.  Hardin-.  Republican,  9,885;  James  M.  Cox,  Demo- 
crat, 1,536. 


CHAPTER  VII 
EDUCATION 

By  Richard  W.  Bardwell 

ORIGIN  OF  SCHOOLS PIONEER  SCHOOLHOUSE — FIRST  SCHOOLS — EARLY  INSTI- 
TUTES— COUNTS  INSTITUTES — INCREASE  IN  SCHOOLS — EARLY  SCHOOLS 
BY  TOWNSHIPS  —  OTHER  EDUCATIONAL  INSTITUTIONS  —  TEACHERS  INSTI- 
TUTES— SCHOOL  STATISTICS — GROWTH  OF  COMMON  AND  HIGH  SCHOOLS 

MC   HENRY  COUNTY  SCHOOL  PRINCIPALS  ASSOCIATION — COUNTY  SUPERIN- 
TENDENT  OF  SCHOOLS TODD  SEMINARY. 

ORIGIN  OF  SCHOOLS 

As  the  people  of  the  world  began  to  emerge  from  the  chaos  of  the 
Bavage  state,  they  commenced  to  think  and  plan,  not  entirely  for  them- 
selves, but  for  their  children.  Originally  tillers  of  the  soil,  they  recog- 
nized the  fact  that  if  they  were  to  hope  for  better  conditions  for  those 
to  come  after  them,  they  must  have  a  good  soil  to  grow  crops.  That. 
after  they  had  provided  for  stronger  and  more  perfect  bodies,  they 
must  train  the  minds  of  their  offspring.  Gradually  they  recognized 
the  fact  that  if  they  handed  together  to  hire  some  one  to  teach  all  of 
the  children  together,  a  much  wiser  person  could  be  secured,  than  if 
each  family  tried  to  provide  instruction.  As  the  value  of  schools  be- 
came recognized,  the  state  took  up  the  matter  so  as  to  provide  the  instruc- 
tion for  those  children  who  were  orphans,  or  whose  parents  were  QOl 
possessed  of  sufficient  means  to  pay  their  quota  into  the  common  edu 
cational  fund.  Gradually,  with  annual  improvements,  the  present  public 
school  system  has  come  to  obtain  in  this  country.  It  commenced  about 
1s:;;>-4().  Now,  parents  the  world  over  in  civilized  parts,  feel  that 
there  is  no  purpose,  no  real  good  in  their  lives,  unless  the  miracle  shall 
come  to  their  children,  that  they  enjoy  advantages  denied  to  the 
fathers  and  mothers. 

It  was  this  spirit  of  sacrifice  for  the  next  generation  that  made  the 
pioneers  Struggle   so   earnestly   to   '_rct    SO kind    of   educational    forces 

81 


-'  HISTORY  OK  MdlEXRY  COUNTY 

at  work,  almost  before  they  had  grabbed  oul  a  slump,  or  turned  a  furrow 

of  their  oew  land.    Of  course,  a1  firsl  the  scl Is  bad  to  be  beld  in  private 

homes  or  in  a  rude   I"1-'  cabin  erected   I'm-  school   purposes,   and   by 

scrimping  at   borne,  the  g 1  parents  would  deny  themselves  much  in 

order  to  properly  clothe,  and  furnish  accessary  schoolbookB,  in  order 
that  their  children  might  be  sent  to  school. 

mi:  PIONEER  SCHOOI.1HU  si: 

No  matter  how  many  times  one  reads  of  the  little  old  lo;;  school- 
house  buill  in  the  forest,  or  on  the  wild  prairie's  sod.  where  first  the  tiny 
tots  attended  schools  in  which  their  A.  B,  <"s  were  mastered,  another 
description  of  the  same  old  rude  schoolhouse  written  by  one  seeing  tlie 
hard  benches  and  dirt  floors,  gives  a  different  angle,  hut  the  story  is 
ever  of  deep  interest  to  both  old  and  young. 

Picture  a  small  building,  so  small  that  it  might  easily  be  set  down 
in  the  ordinary  living  room  of  today,  fashioned  of  rough  logs,  fastened 
together,  with  mud  plastered  in  the  chinks  between  the  logs.  At  one  end 
was  an  opening,  sometimes  protected  by  a  slab  door,  but  oftentimes  left 
without  any  cover.  At  the  other  end  was  a  crude  fireplace,  which  was 
liable  to  throw  into  the  room  as  much  smoke  as  was  carried  away  by  the 
mud  and  stick  chimney.  The  floor  sometimes  was  merely  hard  dirt  ;  again, 
it  was  constructed  of  split  logs,  with  the  bark  side  laid  down.  The  fur- 
niture was  all  homemade,  consisting  of  puncheon  seats  for  the  pupils, 
and  a  slab  with  longer  pegs  in  it  as  a  desk  for  the  teacher.  There  were 
no  blackboards,  no  globes,  no  scientific  apparatus,  no  marble  statues,  pic- 
tures or  maps.  Indeed,  ofttimes  there  were  mighty  few  books  for  either 
the  pupils  or  teacher,  and  yet  how  those  children  did  absorb  information, 
and  lay  in  these  primitive  temples  of  learning,  a  lasting  foundation  for 
magnificent  superstructures.  Some  of  the  best  men  this  country  ever 
produced,  attended  just  such  a  school  as  the  one  above  described. 

As  the  community  increased  in  importance,  so  did  the  schools,  frame 
structures  gradually  replacing  the  log  buildings,  and  then  came  hand- 
some brick  and  stone  schoolhouses  of  today.  The  early  history  of  the 
schools  of  this  county  is  similar  to  that  of  most  other  sections,  but  after 
the  close  of  the  Civil  War,  a  radical  change  set  in  for  the  uplift  of  the 
common  schools,  and  today  every  citizen  worthy  the  name,  boasts  of. 
and  duly  appreciates,  the  excellent  schools  we  are  enjoying  at  this  time. 


- 


-. 
- 

a 

— 

-- 


IT 1  * <  ■ 


HISTORY  OF  McHBNRY  COUNTY  83 

FIRST  SCHOOLS 

It  appears  thai  the  Oral  schools  in  the  county  were  taught  in  the 
year  183Q,  in  Burton  and  Dorr  townships,  which  answered  the  above 
description  of  the  log  school.  In  1837  another  small  school  was  opened 
in  Cm-al  Township;  another  in  Algonquin,  in  1838;  Marengo  bad  one 
in  1839;  Seneca,  MeHenry  and  Chemung  in  1840  ami  Richmond  in 
L841;  A  Men's  first  school  started  in  either  1840  or  184] 

The  firsl  schoolhouse  of  which  there  appears  to  be  any  official  record 
is  the  fine  buill  in  section  1.  township  4.">,  range  9,  Dunham  Township, 
which  was  completed  in  June,  1839.  The  first  official  mention  of  the 
public  schools  in  this  county  appears  upon  the  county  records  under  the 
date  of  June.  1841.     Carlisle  Hastings  was  then  appointed  School  Land 

Commissioner,   and   boards   of   scd 1    trustees    were   appointed    for   each 

township   in  the  county.     These  boards  and  the  townships,  as  they   are 
now  named,  an'  given  helow  : 

Riley — A.  E.  Smith,  R.  Bates  and  Samuel  Johnson  ; 

.Marengo — Marcus  G.  White,  John  Foyer,   Daniel   Steward; 

Dunham — Jonathan  Fellows,  J.  X.  Jerome,  Thomas  Piney; 

Chemung — Nathaniel  Smith,  William  Hart,  Rodolphus  Hutchinson; 

Coral     A.  F.  Randall.  Selah  Markham,  E.  X.  Prink; 

Seneca — William  M.  Jackson,  Leander  H.  Bishop.  Wm.  Wattling; 

Hartland — George  St  ration.  Appolos  Hastings,  George  H.  Guff  inn ': 

Alden — Thaddeus  B.  Wakeman,  Ransom  Parrish,  Orry  Barrett; 

Grafton — Prescott  Whittemore,  John  B.  Oakley,  Louis  noldridge; 

Dorr — Allen  Dufield,  Solomon  Keyes,  Michael  Best; 

Greenwood — Andrew  J.  Hayward,  Amos  Scofield,  M.  B.  Gwinns; 

Hebron — Josiah  H.  Giddings,  Jacob  Gilbert,  Bela  H.  Tryon ; 

Algonquin — Allen  Baldwin,  Hosea  B.  Throop,  E.  J.  Smith; 

Xunda — Josiah  Walkup.  Charles  Patterson,   William   Huffman; 

MeHenry — Aromy  Thomas,  Gideon  Colby,   Benjamin  Tuttlc; 

Richmond — William  A.  McConnell,  J.  W.  White,  Samuel  Merrick; 

Township  4:;.  range  9,  now  a  part  of  Algonquin — Thomas  R.  Chunn, 
William  D.  Carey,  Joseph  Clink; 

Township  4."),  range  9,  now  within  .MeHenry  Township.  Alden  liar 
vey,  Alfred  Stone,  Chauncy  Beckwith. 

Township  4(i,  range  9,   Burton  Township — S.  S.  Stijson,  Jonathan 

Kimball.  Alfred  Stephens. 

From   that    date  on   schoolhouses  were  built   and   schools  supported 


84  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

wherever  the  population  was  sufficiently  dense  to  bear  the  expenses.  Ajb 
the  county  grew  more  thickly  Bettled,  new  districts  were  formed  bo  thai 
in  ;i  very  few  years  every  settler  was  within  a  shorl  distance  of  a  M-liool- 
house.    It  is  related  thai  the  greatest  obstacle  to  the  development  of  the 

schools    was    found    in    the    lack    of    competent    teachers.      Many    seemed 

fairly  well  qualified,  and  labored  earnestly,  bul  others  who  were  em- 
ployed in  the  absence  of  better  material  were  Badly  deficienl  both  in 
education  and  aptitude.  The  teachers,  too,  worked  againsl  hardship  of 
not  having  suitable  and  uniform  text-hooks,  so  thai  real  classification  was 
impossible. 

In  1855,  the  records  say  that  .Mr.  Jewett,  member  of  the  board  of 

supervisors,  and  on  the  committe lucation,  presented  resolutions 

declaring : 

"  1st.  That  there  is  a  sad  deficiency  of  properly  and  legally  qualified 
teachers  in  and  for  your  said  county. 

"2nd.      That   there  is  a  lack  of  interest   and  zeal  on  the  part   of  said 

teachers  to  discharge  those  weighty  responsibilities  incumbent  upon 
them  in  a  becoming  manner. 

"3rd.  That  there  is  a  lamentable  lack  of  uniformity  in  the  plan  of 
instruction  which  is  so  desirable  in  every  county. 

"4th.  That  there  have  been  considerable  sums  of  money  expended 
for  tin'  purpose  of  maintaining  and  supporting  teachers'  institutes, 
the  object  of  said  institutes  being  to  remedy  the  difficulty  above  named. 

"5th.  That  these  institutes  have  conic  far  short  of  the  object  for 
which  they  were  established,  etc. 

"To  improve  the  then  existing  state  of  the  public  schools,  .Mr.  Jewetl 
proposed  the  establishment,  at  the  county  seat,  of  an  institute  to  be 
called  the  McIIenry  County  Normal  School;  but  alas,  his  suggestion  was 
never  acted  upon  by  the  board  of  supervisors." 

EARLY   INSTITUTES 

The  pioneers  as  a  class  were  favorable  to  education  ami  supported 
the  district  schools  manfully,  as  well  as  fostered  and  encouraged  in  all 
ways  private  educational  institutions,  the  chief  institutes  being  located 
at  Lawrence.  Marengo  and  Crystal  Lake,  though  several  others  were 
started  in  other  parts  of  the  county. 

Lawrence  Academy,  ill  the  northwestern  part  of  the  county,  was 
one  of  the  earliest  and  most  successful  schools  of  its  kind.  It  had 
able    instructors,    and    many    afterward    prominent    men    were    students 


HISTORY  OF  M<  IIKXKY   COUNTY 

there.  It  gradually  waned  and  finally  ceased  to  exist,  better  conditions 
of  the  public  schools  of  the  county  supplying  its  place. 

At  Crystal  Lake  village  a  flourishing  seminary  was  maintained  for 
some  years  under  the  name  of  Nunda  College. 

COUNT*    INSTITUTE 

The  County  Institute  organized  in  1856,  perhaps  aided  more  than 
any  other  single  factor  in  bringing  about  an  improved  condition  of  the 
public  school  system  in  the  county.  For,  it  is  seen  by  reference  to  public 
records,  as  well  as  to  an  interesting  article  in  a  former  history  of  the 

county,  that  in  188")  there  were  many  valuable  school  libraries  in  the 

school  districts  ,,\'  McIIeiiry  County.  A  paragraph  from  this  book  may 
be  useful  in  this  connection : 

"Constant  and  well  directed  efforts  have  wrought  their  results. 
and  now  the  people  of  McHenry  may  justly  be  proud  of  their  public 
schools.      It   is  doubtful   if  there  can  be  found   anywhere   in   the  country 

.1  country  no  older  than  this  which  has  better  scl Is.   While  these  scl Is 

are  not  perfect,  yet  in  excellence  of  school  buildings,  convenience  of 
arrangement,  competent  supervision  and  thorough  instruction,  the 
county  will  compare  favorably  with  any  of  like  age  and  population.  The 
County  superintendents,   the  teachers,   the  taxpayers  and  the  pupils  are 

all  interested  in  their  work,  and  the  results  are  apparent.  The  county 
institutes  are  well  attended  and  play  an  important  part  in  keeping  alive 
the  interests  of  education  in  our  county." 

INCREASE  IX  .s<IIOOLS 

In  1860  the  number  of  schools  in  the  county  was  142;  number  of 
schoolhouses,  139;  number  of  teachers,  218;  number  of  male  scholars. 
4,030;  female  scholars.  :!,778.  In  1870  the  number  of  pupils  was 
11,890,  of  whom  7,000  were  enrolled.  In  1875  the  number  of  school- 
houses  in  this  county  was  loll,  but  the  work  did  not  advance  with  other 
elements  of  growth  in  the  county  in  the  next  years  following  those  just 
named,  for  it  is  found  that  in  1ns4  there  were  only  138  schoolhouses. 
though  it  was  saiil  that  175  were  badly  needed.  In  188:!-84  only  270 
teachers  were  employed,  and  school  property  was  only  valued  at  $186,- 
285. 

EARLY   SCHOOLS  BY  TOWNSHIPS 

The  first  school  taught  in  Alden  Township  was  in  1841.  by  .Miss 
Clarissa    Nelson,  of  Geneva    Lake.     The  school  •was  held  in   the   first 


86  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

schoolhouse  built  in  the  township.  Ii  was  a  log  structure  Located  aear 
the  present  site  of  1 1 1  *  -  railroad  station.    This  building  was  erected  in 

the  spring  of  1841,  its  dimensions  being  I'-'xl  1  feet,  luit  small  as  it  was. 
it    was    plenty    large    enough    to   accommodate    the    little    hand    of    nine 

pupils.    A  report  of  the  schools  of  the  township  in  isst  ^ave  tl nmll- 

ment   of  pupils  as  :!l."i  of  scl 1   age,   and   there   were   then   nine  school- 

tlOUSeS  within  the  township.  The  school  property  was  valued  in  1SS2 
at  $3,340.  For  present  day  school  statistics  the  reader  is  referred  to 
the  table  in  this  chapter,  the  same  being  extracted   from  the  county 

superintendent's   annual    report. 

In  the  early  eighties  Algonquin  Township  was  in  the  lead  in  the 
number  of  schoolhouses,  the  number  being  ten.  valued  at  $12,000.  The 
number  of  persons  of  school  age  in  the  township  was  630.  The  circu- 
lating library  then  contained  200  volumes.  The  first  schoolhouse  in 
the  township  was  a  log  building  at  Crystal  Lake  in  which  .Miss  Hannah 
I'.cardsley  taught  in  18H8. 

In  Burton  Township  a  school  was  taught  in  1846  by  Miss  <'ase. 
in  the  "red  schoolhouse"  in  Section  8.  Tt  was  buill  by  the  patrons  of 
the  school  and  the  teacher  was  paid  on  the  subscription  plan  and 
usually  "hoarded  'round."  The  first  school,  however,  was  taught  in 
ISiili  in  a  log  building  on  Nippersink  Creek,  by  Win.  Stearns. 

In  Chemung  Township  the  first  school  was  taught  in  the  village  of 
Chemung  about  INK).  In  1880  the  number  of  persons  of  school  age  in 
the  township  was  UTS,  or  ninety  more  than  any  township  within  the 
county.  It  paid  at  that  date  next  to  the  highesl  wages  for  teachers  of 
any  of  the  townships.  The  school  property  of  seven  schoolhouses  was 
then  valued  at  $16,500.  The  first  school  in  Harvard  was  taught  in 
1859;  -I.  E.  Young  was  the  first  principal,  assisted  by  .Miss  Mary  Ballon. 
In  the  eighties  the  attendance  was  large  and  more  building  room  had  to 
hi'  provided.  The  old  reports  show  the  village  had  C>7  pupils  in  school 
in  1884. 

In  Coral  Township  the  first  schoolhouse  was  erected  in  1838,  on 
Section  8.  William  Jackson  taught  the  first  term  of  school  and  he  took 
his  pay  in  4,000  rails  for  his  four  months'  work.  His  patrons  split  1,000 
rails  a  month,  so  that  when  the  school  ended  they  had  paid  in  full,  all  in 
good  rails.  At  the  end  of  the  term  in  a  frolic,  the  "big  boys"  tore  down 
thi'  schoolhouse.  In  1  S.s  1  this  township  had  eleven  Schoolhouses  in  use 
and  that  was  more  than  any  other  township  then  had.  There  were  on 
an  average  409  pupils  in  attendance.  School  property  was  valued  at 
$10,000. 


- 

a 

z 


z 
z 


HISTORY  OF  McHBNRY  COUNTY  87 

In  Don-  Township  the  first  school  was  taught  by  Alvira  Cornish  in 
the  bouse  of  Uriah  Cattle  in  1836.  The  school  consisted  of  seven  pupils. 
In  1883  the  value  of  Bchool   property  of  this  township  was  $55,200; 

the  annual  salaries  paid  were  $5,677 ;  number  of  children  of  sel I  age 

were  880. 

In  Dunham  Township  the  first  school  was  taught  in  the  schoolhouse 
buill  in  1838,  on  the  farm  of  Mr.  Jerome.  It  was  a  small  Log  structure 
which  was  also  used  for  religious  and  political  purposes.  Miss  Edna 
Jewetl  was  the  first  to  teach  there.  A.  M.  Disbrow  was  the  new  teacher. 
In  1881  the  township  bad  seven  substantial  school  buildings,  and  paid 
annually  about  $1,800  for  teachers. 

In  Grafton  Township  a  third  of  a  century  ago  there  were  eighl 
fairly  good  school  buildings  and  persons  of  school  age  upwards  of  500. 
The  first  school  here  was  taught  in  a  log  cabin  erected  in  1842  in  District 
No.  7  (old  number  i.  and  the  first  teacher  was  Cynthia  Thompson. 

In  McHenry  Township  the  first  school  was  taught  in  1840  by  a  .Miss 
McOmber,  in  a  small  log  house  erected  on  the  banks  of  the  Fox  River. 
This  was  also  the  first  school  building  in  the  township.  In  the  early 
eighties  reports  show  seven  fairly  well-built  frame  schoolhouses  in  the 
township  which  property  was  valued  at  $9,000  and  there  was  a  school 
population  of  658.  The  township  also  had  a  small,  but  most  excellent 
library.  In  the  village  of  McHenry  the  first  school  was  taught  in  a 
frame  building  on  the  present  public  square.  It  cost  $2,000.  Another 
schoolhouse  was  built  in  1859,  in  the  east  side  of  town  and  its  cost  was 
$6,000.     The   West  side  building  was  burned  in  1862. 

In  Marengo  Township  the  first  school  was  taught  by  Caroline  Cobb 
in  1839,  but  prior  to  this  ( ).  1'.  Rogers  taught  in  a  small  log  schoolhouse, 
marly  opposite  the  Calvin  Spencer  residence  in  the  village  of  Marengo. 

The  school  taught  by  the  lady  was  held  in  a  building  erected  for  a  si 

shop,  and  her  pupils  numbered  nine  the  most  of  the  term. 

In  Seneca  Township  the  first  school  was  taught  by  Mrs.  Roxy  Stevens 
in  1840.  at  her  home  which  was  one  mile  south  of  Franklinville.  In 
Franklinville  the  first  schoolhouse  of  the  township,  a  frame  building, 
was  erected  in  1S45. 

In  Woodstock  the  first  school  was  taught  in  I84C,  by  David  Rich- 
ardson, who  paid  $2.00  a  month  for  the  privilege  of  holding  school  in  the 
old  courthouse.  The  next  year,  1846,  the  first  school  building  in  Wood- 
stock was  erected  on  the  same  site  still  used  for  school  purposes.  In 
18(i()  this  house  was  deemed  too  small,  and  it  was  sold  and  a  new  build- 
ing provided  in  1867.    A  new  building  was  erected  in  1906  at  a  cost  of 


88  HISTORY  OF  M<  HENRY  COUNTY 

$25,999,  and  ;i  four-room  Bchool  building  was  erected  that  same  year  on 
Clay  street.  The  large  building  burned  to  the  ground  December  2, 
1919.  In  January,  1921,  the  Clay  streel  school  was  enlarged  and  im- 
proved,  making  it  a  modern,  eight-room  grade  building.  In  the  Bame 
year  an  eight-room  grade  huilding  was  erected  mi  the  corner  of  Dean 
streel  and  Forrest  avenue. 

In  Richmond  Township  the  first  sc1k.h1  was  taught  by  the  daughter 
nt'  Elder  Pease,  of  Crystal  Lake,  in  the  Montelona  schoolhouse.  This 
was  iniilt  in  1841,  on  ii ner  of  William  A.  McConnell's  farm,  west 

of   the    village       In    1>1l»    a    school    of    forty-two    pupils    was    tamrht    at 

Solon  by  Charles  Knapp.  The  graded  school  at  Richmond  was  first 
opened  in  the  fall  of  1861,  with  Dr.  S.  F.  Bennett  as  its  teacher. 

OTHER  EARLY  EDUCATIONAL  INSTITUTIONS 

Here  in  this  county  there  have  been  several  attempts  at  founding 
and  maintaining  religious  training  schools  among  which  was  the  Pres- 
byterian Academy  at  Marengo.     It  had  quarters  in  the  basemenl  of  the 

then  new  church  of  that  denomination.  E.  B.  Conklin  was  its  first 
principal  and  he  was.  after  two  years,  succeeded  by  Professor  Scudder. 
The  enrollment  was  from  eighty  to  120  pupils.  This  academy  was  in 
existence  some  five  or  more  years,  when  in  the  financial  collapse  of  1857, 
an  "Educational  Institute"  was  formed.  A  large  five-story  brick  build- 
ing was  erected  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  on  the  institution.  It  had 
scarcely  been  in  operation  for  one  year,  when,  for  want  of  Sufficient  en- 
dowment, it  fell  into  the  hands  of  other  parties  and  soon  was  dis- 
continued. 

teachers'  institutes 

Teachers'  institutes  and  normal  schools  have  been  in  existence  a 
long  time  in  this  county.  It  is  not  the  purpose  of  this  article  to  go  far 
into  detail  concerning  these  helpful  adjuncts  to  the  public  schools,  but 
simply  to  give  a  brief  account  of  the  establishing  of  such  factors.  That 

.\ccllent  educator  and  grand  old  I'rcsliyterian  clergyman,  Rev.  R.  K. 
Todd,  organized  a  teachers'  institute  in  the  autumn  of  1849,  during  the 
first  year  of  his  first  term  as  school  commissioner.  It  was  held  iii  the 
old  courthouse,  continued  for  one  week,  had  an  average  attendance  of 
150.  During  each  succeeding  fall  for  his  term  of  office,  a  similar  in- 
stitute or  teacher's  meeting  was  held,  but  during  his  successor's  term, 


HISTORY  OK   M.  1IKXKY   COUNT?  39 

the  movemenl  dwindled  down  until  A.  W.  Smith,  on  assuming  the 
office  in  1855,  had  some  trouble  in  re-awakening  the  teacher's  dormant 
interest  in  this  means  of  improvement.  His  institutes  were  held  for 
two  week-,  ami  at  his  third  meeting,  in  the  fall  of  1856,  a  constitution 
was  adopted  and  the  institute  began  to  assume  a  more  perfect  form.  Mr. 
Smith  was  the  first  to  go  out  of  the  county  to  secure  instructors,  he 
having  at  his  second  meeting,  the  state  superintendent  as  one  of  them. 

School  Commissioner  Hutchinson  was  succeeded  in  ls~>~>.  I>y  Asa  \V. 
Smith,   who   wrote   as  follows: 

"In  the  fall  of  1855,  1   was  elected  school  commissioner,  and,   upon 

accepting  the  office,  found  it  to  be  one  of  my  legal  duties  to  visit  sel is 

fifty  days  in  a  year,  with  a  compensation  of  $2.00  per  day.  There 
were  at  that  time  somewhat  over  200  schools  in  the  county.  Notwith- 
standing it  was  '-'big  work  and  small  pay,"  I  resolved  to  undertake  the 
task,  which  was  performed  by  visiting  two  schools  daily,  and  lecturing 
at  night  in  the  most  convenient  places  for  the  patrons  of  the  two  schools 
just  visited  that  day. 

"In  October,  lSoti,  the  present  organization  known  as  the  McHenry 
County  Teachers'  Institute  was  formed. 

"In  1S.">7.  we  had  the  most  successful  and  interesting  institute  of  my 
time  as  active  member  thereof.  It  was  quite  generally  attended  by 
the  best  teachers  of  the  county,  among  whom  were  Rev.  R.  K.  Todd, 
John  A.  Parrish,  S.  F.  Bennett.  Thee  .Mead.  M.  F.  Ellsworth,  the  two 
.Misses  Thomas,  Miss  Jcwett,  .Miss  Aehsee  Smith,  .Miss  Thompson,  Miss 
II.  s.  Corey,  Mrs.  C.  M.  Smith,  and  many  others." 

Ill  1S77  the  records  show  that  after  1857,  the  institute  did  not  meet 
regularly.  Its  meetings  were  then  generally  held  at  Woodstock,  bu1 
occasionally  at  McHenry,  Richmond  and  Nunda. 

A-  the  years  passed  by  and  state  school  laws  made  it  obligatory  upon 
the  pari  of  teachers  to  attend  these  institutes,  they  were,  of  course,  more 
regular  in  their  meetings.  Later  the  state  normal  schools  sprang  into 
existence,  and  many  teachers  were  greatly  benefited  by  such  educa- 
tional institutions. 

SCHOOL    STATISTICS 

The  following  table  is  made  up  from  items  found  in  the  annual 
report  of  the  county  school  superintendent  for  McHenry  County,  giving 

the  name  of  districts  and  their  numbers  in  the  several  townships  of  1h<' 
comity,  the  report  for  the  same  items  in  the  incorporated  villages  and 
cities  of  the  county,  and  enrollment  of  districts: 


90 


HISTORY  OF  M(  HENRY  COUNTY 


Dist. 

Pupils 

Dist. 

1'upiL 

Number  Em 

Number  Enrolled 

Riley  Township — 

( >ak  Grove   .... 

98 

11 

McGovern 

Lawrence    

1 25 

21 

1  district    

142 

11 

( !ity   Harvard    .  . 

L25 

760 

Pay    

1 1:: 

25 

(  lieinui!" 

L27 

.".1 

Driver    

144 

9 

Ilartland  Towahip- 

Java   

1  18 

11 

Cooney    

65 

17 

Williamson    .... 

145 

•>•> 

Delantv    

95 

12 

Riley  Center 

146 
147 

33 
16 

King    

99 

100 

18 

Anthony    

Newman    

13 

Dunham  Township — 

Deep  Cul    

102 

19 

1  ounty  Line  . . . 

7 

11 

Hughes    

103 

35 

Carmack    

101 

30 

Desmond   

mi 

23 

North  Dunham. . 

128 

22 

Seneca  Township — 

Banows    

129 

15 

Pleasant  Ridge.  . 

74 

29 

Island     

133 

14 

105 

25 

Aldcn    Township — 

Bayard    

106 

11 

Cash   District    .  . 

97 

9 

Kanalav    

107 

11 

Shields    

96 

15 

Puller    

112 

14 

.Manly-Leo    .... 

94 

8 

Diggins    

108 

■22 

Teeple    

93 

22 

Vermont    

109 

25 

1  [ardscrabble    . . 

87 

10 

Franklinville     .  . 

110 

19 

Alden  \'illa<?e  . . 

92 

67 

Maple  Hill   .... 

111 

19 

Wilson    

ill 

16 

( ioral  Township — 

Bordwell   

89 

13 

Harmony    

1 

30 

Kinirslev    

ss 

35 

Union  Village  . . 

113 

92 

Marengo  Township 

Seward     

114 

7 

(  Heott  District .  . 

134 

11 

O  'Roiirke    

115 

18 

Burr  <>ak   

135 

16 

Heath     

116 

16 

McGavern   

137 

11 

Coral    ( 'enter    .  . 

117 

10 

141 

15 

Oak  Grove  

118 

7 

Poyer    

138 

20 

Brown    Town    .  . 

119 

16 

Wilson-Pringle 

139 

26 

Burton  Township- 

i  lity  Marengo  . . 

14(1 

370 

English    I'rairie. 

9 

16 

Chemung  Township — 

Creek    

10 

29 

Big   Foot    

90 

32 

Spring  Grove  . . 

11 

25 

State    Line    .... 

123 

24 

Greenwood  Township — 

White  Oak    

124 

19 

Howe    District . . 

35 

12 

= 


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HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


91 


Dist. 

Pupils 

Dist. 

Pupils 

N 

milicr 

Enrolled 

Number  Enrolled 

Thaver    

Greenwood 

(i.'i 

21 

l',,rd     

52 

18 

South  Prairie  . . 

51 

20 

Village    

64 

71 

Munshawville   . . 

49 

19 

Queen    Ann    . . . 

67 

12 

Crystal   Lake 

Reed    

66 

14 

(City)    

47 

496 

Fosdick    

71 

14 

Cary   Village    . . 

26 

108 

Charles    

69 

17 

Eager    

1 

25 

fifcHenry  Township 

— 

Oak    Glen 

27 

12 

Harrison-Marsh 

36 

10 

Fox  River  Grove 

149 

4:> 

Ostend    

37 

15 

West  Harmony  . 

122 

16 

Sherman  Hill  . . 

39 

11 

Grafton  Township- 

Lily    Lake    .... 

16 

9 

Halligus    

81 

25 

McHenry 

Huntley  Village. 

85 

245 

Village    

15 

27:) 

Dorr  Township — 

Johnsburg    .... 

12 

141 

Oak  Grove    .... 

73 

35 

::i 

51 

Pleasant    Valley. 

80 

25 

1. inn, In     

14 

17 

Ridgefield 

Nunda  Township — 

Village 

48 

41 

Kmerald    Park 

Cold    Spring    .  . 

70 

18 

District    

17 

14 

Woodstock      .... 

72 

898 

Burton 's 

( l-regory     

75 

12 

Bridge    

22 

14 

McConnell    .... 

76 

8 

Clemens    

40 

10 

Walkup   

77 

13 

Cherry  Valley 

41 

12 

Lucas    

76 

19 

Prairie   

42 

11 

llelnon  Township- 

Holcombville    . . 

43 

17 

Hebron   Village. 

57 

221 

Terra  Cotta   ... 

44 

23 

Burgett     

56 

17 

4.") 

15 

Turner   

58 

17 

Prairie  Grove  . . 

46 

11 

Glass    

59 

16 

( triswold  Lake. . 

19 

14 

Vanderkarr  .... 

60 

17 

Algonquin  Township — 

Stone's    Corner. 

61 

9 

McManaman 

23 

25 

Tryon's   Corner. 

(12 

20 

Wienke    

55 

15 

Richmond  Township — 

Algonquin 

Richmond 

Village    

54 

129 

Village     

29 

241 

Miller     

53 

5 

Meyers- 

Silver  Lake    . . . 

24 

16 

Monteloma    . . 

30 

10 

92  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Dirt.      Pupils  Dist.     Pnpila 

Number  Enrolled  Number  Enrolled 

Keystone     :il         23  Solon    .Mills    ...     33  :« 

Sardscrabble    ..     32  9  Washington    ...     13  16 

The  total  expenditure  for  school  purposes  in  the  county  il'.ioiii  was 
$356,562.17,  and  of  this  amount  $247,403.6]  was  spenl  for  paymenl  Of 
teachers. 

The  average  length  of  the  school  year  is  eight  and  six-tenths  months. 
The  number  of  pupils  enrolled  in  the  county  averages  6,245,  which  in- 
cludes 963  high-school  pupils;  and  the  number  of  children  of  Bchool  Bge 
in  the  county  is  8,932. 

GROWTU  OF  THE  COMMON  AND  III', 11  M  IIunI.s 

Iii  the  organization  of  the  forces  for  rural  education  in  this  county, 
the  succession  of  county  school  superintendents  lias  been  a  notable  one. 
The  high  standard  of  educational  ideals  existing  generally  throughout  the 
county  was  first  manifested  in  the  selection  by  the  popular  vote  of  the 
enmity  "s  chief  educational  officer,  and  sustained  especially  in  the  election 
of  Prof.  Lester  Barber  of  Marengo;  W.  E.  Wire,  George  \V.  Conn.  Jr., 
and  Prof.   Addison  M.  Shelton. 

During  the  terms  of  these  four  educators  the  rural  schools  progressed 
with  general  uniformity,  and  the  high  standards  existing;  at  the  present 
are  due  in  a  greal  measure  to  their  leadership. 

In  the  city  school  system  of  the  county,  modern  methods  of  organi- 
zation and  administration  have  been  constantly  introduced  and  in  the 
selection  of  studies  and  methods  of  teaching,  those  in  authority  have  con- 
stantly improved  and  kept  abreast  of  the  times.  Buildings  and  grounds 
have  been  provided  in  each  city  as  its  growth  warranted.  Among  the 
city  superintendents  of  note  who  have  served  in  this  county  may  be  men- 
tioned   li.   G.  Jones,  of   Harvard,   now  superintendent    of  the   Cleveland. 

Ohio,  schools;  C.  M.  Bardwell,  of  Marengo,  now  superintendent  of  the 

Aurora.  111.,  schools,  and  C.  E.  Douglas,  of  Woodstock,  who  is  now  super- 
intendent of  the  Erie.  Penu.,  schools.  The  influence  of  these  and  other 
successful  superintendents,  is  apparent  in  the  present  city  school  sys- 
tem of  McHenry  County. 

The  development  of  the  high  schools  of  the  county  has  been  during 
the  past  twenty-five  years,  a  wonderful  growth.  The  enrollment  has  been 
doubled  many  times  over,  and  in  the  present  year,  several  of  the  city  high 


HISTORY  OF  MoHENRY  COUNTY  93 

schools,  notably  Woodstock,  Harvard,  and  Marengo,  find  themselves  con- 
fronted with  the  necessity  of  erecting  new  high  school  buildings  to  meet 
the  needs  of  their  districts.     In  Crystal  Lake,  the  high  school  building 

ami  equipment  are  of  the  tinest  in  the  county.  These  improvements  were 
secured  though  the  aid  of  a  large  amount  of  back  taxes  received  in  the  set- 
tlement of  a  local  estate.  Crystal  Lake  and  Woodstock  both  have  ex- 
cellent courses  in  nnrmal  school  training  and  domestic  science.  Wood- 
Mock,  Harvard,  Crystal  Lake,  Marengo,  and  McHenry  high  schools  all 
give  up-to-date  commercial  training.  McHenry  and  Crystal  Lake  have 
fine  hifrh-school  gymnasiums  for  the  physical  training  of  their  students. 

The  only  available  records  at  hand  for  securing  the  names  of  the 
superintendents  of  schools  in  the  various  cities  and  villages  of  the  county, 
are  those  for  Woodstock,  which  show  that  the  first  high  school  was 
taught  in  1878  and  the  superintendents  since  the  organization  of  the  high 
school  have  been:  Professors  Warren  Wilkie,  1878;  A.  E.  Bourne,  1880; 
S.  B.  Hursh,  1888;  .1.  A.  Kelly,  1890;  John  R.  Kello™  1891;  L.  B.  Eas 
ton,  IS'M:  (I.  W.  Conn,  1896;  C.  W.  Hart,  1897;  C.  E.  Douglas,  1907; 
B.  C.  Thomas,  1911;  and  R.  W.  Bardwell  who  took  charge  of  the  schools 
in  1!H4. 

The  three  public  school  buildings  in  Woodstock  were  built  as  follows: 
the  first  one,  the  old  brick  school,  was  built  in  1867;  the  new  brick  one, 
attached  to  or  adjacent  to  the  old  building,  is  a  handsome  structure 
built  in  1906  at  a  cost  of  $25,000;  the  third  one  is  the  Clay  Street  build- 
ing, built  in  the  northern  portion  of  the  city,  in  1907,  at  a  cost  of  $20,000, 
exclusive  of  the  grounds. 

MC  HENRY  COUNTY  SCHOOL  PRINCIPALS  ASSOCIATION 

During  the  past  fifty  years  one  of  the  most  potent  influences  in  the 
progress  of  education  in  the  county  has  been  an  organization  of  the  princi- 
pals of  the  city  or  village  schools  of  the  county,  known  as  the  McHenry 
County  School  Principals  Association.  This  group  of  earnest  educators 
has  fostered  in  many  ways  the  welfare  of  the  county's  public  schools. 
They  have  met  regularly  at  the  county  seat  during  the  school  term,  some- 

times  to  i- ive  inspiring  messages  from  the  eminent  men  from  outside 

the  county ;  at  other  times  to  discuss  the  problems  which  confronted  them 
in  their  schools.  The  membership  in  1921  is:  Oswell  G.  Treadway,  Mc- 
Henry. president;  A.  M.  Shelton,  county  superintendent,  secretary;  II. 

A.  Dean,  Crystal  Lake;  c.  W.  Hill.  Marengo;  R.  W.  Bardwell,  W 1 

Mock;  C.  O.  Haskell,  Harvard;  Frank  Ben,  Hebron;  C.  II.  Duker,  Hunt- 
ley; C.  W.  Minard,  Richmond;  and  P.  II.  Willey,  Alden. 


94  BISTORT  OF  MrllKXRY  COUNTY 

cm   \TV    SUPERINTENDENTS   OP  SCHOOLS 

Charles  Bastings,  1841-43;  Peter  Diets,  1843  15;  .Major  T.  Irwin, 
1845  17;  Phineas  w.  Piatt,  1847-49;  Rev.  R  K  Todd,  1849-54;  M.  T. 
Butchinson,  1854-55;  Asa  W.  Smith,  1856-59;  Alvin  Brown,  1859-61; 
Theodore  Mead,  1861-63;  Thomas  Knanbrack,  1863-65;  A.  J.  Kingman, 
1865-69;  G.  s.  Southworth,  1869-73;  William  Nickle,  1873-77;  A.  W. 
Young,  1877  -1  ;  I).  1).  Baldwin,  1881-83;  H.  R.  Baldwin,  1883-84;  Lester 
Barber,  L884-90;  W.  E.  Wire,  1890-1902;  George  W.  Conn,  1902-10;  A. 
ML  shelton,  1910  to  present  date. 

TODD   SEMINARY 

Todd  Seminary  is  a  private  school  at  Woodstock  for  boys  only.  Its 
early  history  was  well  written  tip  for  a  former  history  of  McHenry 
County  by  its  founder's  son.  Henry  Alfred  Todd,  who  brought  out  the 
following  historic  points,  in  a  lengthy  biography  of  the  Todd  family: 
Rev.  R.  K.  Todd,  founder  of  this  school,  was  a  graduate  of  Princeton 
College.  X.  J.,  and  was  educated  for  the  Presbyterian  ministry,  married 
a  .Miss  Clover  of  Xew  York.  and.  being  impressed  with  the  missionary 
spirit,  started  on  a  long  trip  with  his  young  bride.  This  was  in  1847 
and  they  headed  for  the  "far  West."  Railroads,  generally  speaking, 
had  not  yet  come  into  common  use  and  so  they  traveled  by  the  Erie 
Canal,  and  by  steamer  over  the  Great  Lakes  to  Milwaukee,  Wis.  Be- 
cause of  a  few  young  friends  who  had  located  in  McHenry  County, 
111.,  he  was  led  to  conn'  here.  A  Presbyterian  Church  had  just  been 
organized  at  Woodstock  with  thirteen  members,  and  he  was  induced 
to  become  its  pastor.  He  was  soon  selected  as  superintendent  of  the 
McHenry  County  public  schools  and  held  that  position  a  number  ..f 
years.     Subsequently,  he  established  a  school  of  his  own  at  Woodstock 

Finding  it  necessary  at  the  end  of  a  long  term  of  years,  on  account 
of  an  affection  of  his  throat  to  relinquish  in  a  large  part  his  public 
speaking,  he  threw  his  whole  energies  into  the  building  up  of  an 
institution  of  advanced  education  to  stimulate,  as  well  as  satisfy  the 
needs  of  the  then  rapidly  growing  West.  He  had  already  been  one  of 
the  prime  movers  in  the  permanent  foundation  of  the  Marengo  Col- 
legiate Institute,  but  that  institution  was  entirely  destroyed  by  fire, 
from  which  loss  it  never  recovered.  Again  a  similar  calamity  con- 
fronted Mr.  Todd  in  the  burning  of  the  well-equipped  building  erected 
by  him  at  Woodstock.    Yet  despite  these  losses,  he  gathered  about  him, 


1:   >&' 


-r 
- 
- 
- 
— 
- 

— 
: 
: 
- 


HISTORY  OF  McHENEY  COUNTY  95 

as  president,  a  large  and  efficienl  corps  ol  instructors,  obtained  from 
the  Illinois  Legislature  a  generous  charter,  and  inaugurated  a  long 
and  highly  prosperous  period  of  collegiate  work,  the  annual  enrollment 
ranging  from  151  to  200  students,  from  whom  the  ranks  of  teachers 

in    Northern    Illinois    were    for    many   years    largely    recruited.      Late    in 

the  seventies,  feeling  the  need  for  rest,  .Mr.  Todd  concluded  to  limit  his 
efforts  to  the  care  of  a  classical  home  school  for  boys.  The  spacious 
grounds  and  buildings,  situated  at   the  edge  of  the  city,  afforded  a 

beautiful  country  retreat  for  a  family  of  about  twenty  hoys  in  their 
teens,  nearly  all  of  whom  came  from  city  homes.  Some  even  came  in 
from  distant  states.  Such  was  the  foundation  of  the  present  excellent 
institution  now  known  as  "The  Todd  Seminary  for  Hoys."     Rev.  Todd, 

the  founder,  feeling  that  he  could  no  longer  undertake  the  genera] 
management  of  the  Bchool,  called  to  his  assistance  a  young,  vigorous 
man  from  New  England,  the  present  proprietor  of  the  institution, 
Noble  Hill.  l'h.  IS.,  who  came  in  the  autumn  of  1888,  and  in  1890  took 
complete  charge.  .Mrs.  Todd,  wife  of  the  founder,  died,  and  Rev.  Todd 
went  to  California  to  reside  with  his  only  son.  In  1892  Prof.  Hill 
purchased  the  property  and  has  ever  since  owned  and  conducted  a 
hoys'  school  of  a  most  remarkable  and  unique  character. 

The  former  buildings,  in  fact  the  entire  institution,  has  been  al- 
lowed to  run  down  until  it  was  almost  a  hopeless  task  to  place  it  hack 
in  the  class  to  which  its  founder  had  aspired,  but  Prof.  Hill  knew  no 
such  word  as  fail  and  went  to  work  with  a  right  good  will  and  did 
what  few  other  men  could  have  accomplished  in  so  short  a  time,  if 
indeed  ever.  The  old  buildings  were  remodeled,  rebuilt  and  converted 
to  other  uses  from  those  of  former  days  and  in  time  new  buildings 
were  erected  on  the  beautiful  campus  which  now  comprises  about  eleven 
acres.  During  the  last  school  year  there  were  enrolled  110  pupils,  com- 
ing in  from  seventeen  states  and  territories,  and  one  was  booked  from 
Cuba.  The  average  age  of  these  boys  is  about  twelve  years,  with 
several  no  older  than  seven.  It  is  estimated  that  fully  three-quarters 
of  these  boys  come  from  homes  in  the  City  of  Chicago.  Ten  grades  are 
taught,  and  this  course  of  instruction  qualifies  the  youth  to  go  out  into 
active  life  a  finished  scholar  in  his  class,  or  to  enter  higher  institutions 
of  learning.  The  West  and  Middle  West  furnish  the  greater  number 
of  students.  Teli  instructors  are  usually  employed,  at  this  date  half 
of  them  being  men  and  half  women.  The  school  year  of  nine  months 
is  between  September  and  June.  The  motto  of  this  school  is  "Acid  l<i 
Virtue  Knowledge." 


96  IIISTOKY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

This  is  .1  strictly  non-sectarian  school;  moral  character  is  nil  that 
is  insisted  upon  in  taking  in  students.  Again  it  is  strictly  a  Christian 
institution,  for  no  instructor  is  ever  employed  unless  lie  is  a  professed 
Christian,  bul  no  Christian  denomination  is  barred,  Catholic  not 
excepted. 

Thi>  ideal  of  the  faenlty  is  "for  every  Todd  boy  a  good  citizen." 
And  this  means  what  it  says,  a  living  active  principle  in  the  daily  life 
of  the  Todd  hoys.  The  crowning  glory  of  this  sehool  is  the  fact  that 
it  is  a  place  where  prohibition  positively  prohibits,  a  place  of  respect 
for  authority  and  obedience  to  the  law,  where  locks  and  keys  are  un- 
known and   individual  and   property  rights  are   respected. 

A  more  healthful  spot  cannot  be  found  on  the  continent,  for  its 

altitude  is  1,000  feet  above  sea  level,  the  highest  point  in  all  Illinois. 
During  the  seventy  years  of  its  existence  not  one  death  lias  occurred 
among  the  hundreds  and  thousands  of  pupils  who  have  been  in  attend- 
ance. Climate,  pure  air,  pure  water,  proper  exercise  and  observance 
of  sanitary  rules  have  all  combined  to  briny:  about  this  unequalled  result. 

The  buildings  found  on  the  superb  campus  are:  Wallingford  Hall. 
Clover  Hall,  Rogers  Hall,  Grace  Hall,  the  Gymnasium,  Headmasters 
Cottage,  West  Cottage,  Cozy  Cottage,  and  North  Cottage,  used  for  hos- 
pital purposes. 

The  following  practices  are  strictly  prohibited:  Use  of  cards  or 
any  form  of  gambling;  use  of  tobacco;  use  of  profane  or  vulgar  lan- 
guage; us,'  or  possession  of  fire-arms;  reading  of  trashy  books  or  papers; 
contracting  debts;  going  off  the  grounds  without  permission ;  going  down 
town  unless  accompanied  by  a  teacher;  and  leaving  the  buildings  after 
evening  prayers. 

The  instructors  1920  and  1921  are  as  follows: 

Principal— Noble  Hill,  Ph.  B. 

Associate  Principal — Roger  Hill,  A.  B. 

Secretary  and  Treasurer — Ross  Taylor.  A.  B. 

Headmaster — A.  E.  Johnson.  A.  B. 

History— H.  A.  Hunter,  A.  B. 

Latin— F.  J.  Roubal,  A.  B. 

Geography — S.  L.  Coover. 

.Music     K.  Crilly,  A.  B. 

English  and  Librarian — .Miss  Grace  Libey 

Reading  and  Spelling — Miss  I 'carl  Pidler. 

Primary  Department— Miss  Hazel  Macdonald. 

Primary  Department — Miss  Edith  Divilbess. 


HISTORY  OF  McIIEXRY  COUNTY  97 

Mathematics — Sirs.  P.  J.  Roubal. 

Art— Miss  Mary  B.  Newman. 

Secretary  to  Principal — .Miss  Selma  Rowe. 

Dean  of  the  Home — Mrs.  Ross  Taylor,  A.  B. 

House  Mother— Miss  Lillian  Kauft'man. 

House  Mother— Mrs.  A.  E.  Johnson. 

Nurse— Mrs.  G.  C.  Trevarthen. 

When  Prof.  Hill  first  came  to  Woodstock  he  was  a  single  man,  lint 
two  years  later  he  brought  bis  bride  to  the  institution  and  to  them  were 
born  a  son  and  a  daughter,  both  of  whom  have  been  educated  primarily 
in  this  institution.  The  daughter,  Miss  Carol  Hill,  now  Mrs.  Ross  Taylor, 
is  the  only  girl  who  has  ever  attended  the  school.  Both  are  now  con- 
nected with  their  father's  institution. 


CHAPTER  VIII 
CHURCHES 

RELIGIOUS  SPIRIT — LACK  OP  FACILITIES — FIRST  SERVICES — F1R.-T  r  ||  I  ];<  IIES 
— BAPTISTS — CATHOLIC— CHRISTIAN  SCIENCE — CONGREGATIONAL — EPIS- 
COPAL— LUTHERAN — METHODIST — PRESBYTERIAN — IN1\  l.lo  AI.IST. 

RELIGIOUS    SPIRIT 

.Man  lias  ever  sought  to  draw  near  to  his  Creator,  ami  never  does 
this  tendency  heroine  so  stronir  as  when  lie  feels  the  lark  of  something 
material  in  life.  As  loiijr  as  his  creature  comforts  are  assured,  his  happi- 
ness is  intact,  he  appears  able  to  exist  without  much  thought  of  a  future 
life,  but  lei  trouble  or  misfortune  visit  him,  and  instinctively  he  longs 
for  some  assurance  of  a  power  above  his  own.  Just  as  a  nation  is  purified 
and  elevated  through  a  period  »f  great  affliction,  so  are  its  people  brought 
into  proper  religious  frame  of  mind  when  misfortune  falls  upon  them 
heavily. 

LACK  OF  FACILITIES 

Perhaps  im  one  facility  was  more  deeply  felt,  not  only  by  individuals, 
hut  the  communities  they  formed,  in  pioneer  days,  than  that  which  in 
the  old  homes  afforded  proper  observance  of  religious  duties.  The  pioneer 
had  no  churches,  nor  could  they  at  firsl  come  in  contact  with  religious 
teachers.  The  lack  of  the  religious  clement  in  the  early  settlements 
had  much  to  do  with  the  lawlessness  which  prevailed  in  some  com- 
munities. It  appeared  impossible  to  properly  curb  this  until  churi 
were  established  and  a  regular  religious  routine  installed.  Therefore 
not  only  was  it  important  for  the  peace  and  happiness  of  each  individual 
that  some  religious  services  be  provided,  hut  also  for  the  growth  of  the 

neighborhood  from  a  frontier  settlement   into  the  hon f  law-abiding 

citizens  to  which  desirable  people  and  additional  capital  would  be  drawn. 
Because  of  these  and  many  other  cog<  tt1  reasons,  it  is  easy  to  see  why  the 
settlers  exerted  themselves  to  raise  sufficient  funds  to  guarantee  a  certain 

98 


HISTORY  OP  McIIEXRY  COUNTY  99 

regularity  of  religious  services,  and  their  efforts  met   with   ample  and 

gratifying  results. 

FIRST    SERVICES 

it  matters  not  upon  what  exact  date  some  certain  seel  held  services, 
in  a  given  community.  The  fact  thai  such  services  were  held  is  the  im- 
portant Eact.  It  is  found  thai  several  Protestant  and  at  least  two  Catholic 
churches  were   very   early   in   the   field   in  this  county.     They   all    had   to 

hold  services  in  some  private  home  and  put  up  with  such  accommodations 

as  could  be  provided  in  a  log  cabin  at  first.  Sometimes  a  schoolhouse 
was  found  in  which  religious  services  could  be  held.  Some  communities 
lacked  a  minister,  and  then  a  layman  took  charge,  for  they  believed  ill 
the  promise  made  to  the  "two  or  three  gathered  together  in  my  name," 
even  though  they  were  in  the  wilderness  where  the  sound  of  the  church- 
going  hell  had  never  yet  been  heard.  On  red-letter  days  in  the  history  of 
a  settlement,  services  were  held  by  a  traveling  clergyman,  at  which 
time  creeds  and  differences  of  doctrine  were  usually  forgotten,  and  all 
gathered  to  drink  in  the  words  of  warning  and  comfort  which  fell  from 
the  eloquent  lips  of  one  or  another  of  the  missionaries,  soldiers  of  the 
('mss.  who  went  forth,  on  horseback,  into  the  wilderness  and  preached 
and  labored  for  the  .Master,  without  thought  of  reward  other  than  a  bare 
living  and  the  realization  that  they  were  living  up  to  their  conception 
of  their  duty  to  their  Maker  and  humanity. 

FIRST    CUURCLIKS 

Ofttimes  the  log  schoolhouse  served  as  a  meetinghouse  in  the  early 
days,  but  finally,  after  much  effort,  in  each  of  the  new  settlements,  the 
little  frame  house  of  worship  with  its  tiny  bell  in  a  wooden  belfry,  began 
to  dot  the  prairies  or  grace  the  beautiful  valleys  midst  the  woodland. 

It  was  one  of  such  that  the  ) t  wrote  "The  Little  Brown  Church  in  the 

Vale,"  SO  popular  everywhere  now-a-days.  Each  Lord's  day.  a  stream 
of  people,  clad  in  the  best  they  possessed,  might  have  been  seen  wending 
their  way,  on  foot,  horseback  and  with  ox  teams,  to  these  little  country 
chapels.  In  time  these  small  frame  structures  gave  way  to  larger,  more 
appropriate  edifices  with  costly  and  attractive  stained  windows  and  a 
high  steeple  with  a  silver  toned  bell  within  its  belfry.  Some  obtained 
pipe  organs  and  modern  furniture,  but  the  same  spirit  guided  them, 
the  same  purpose  of  worshiping  the  only  true  and  living  Cod,  in  both 
humble  and  more  pretentious  edifices. 


100  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

In  order  t"  give  the  readers  of  this  volume  ;i  clear  idea  of  how  the 
religious  elemenl  developed  in  every  pari  of  this  county,  the  writer  has 
soughl  to  gather  together  all  i »» >s.^il il<-  data  from  all  denominations  here 
represented,  and  place  such  information  in  readable  form  in  one  chapter. 

BAPTISTS 

The  Marengo  Church  is  among  the  pioneer  church  organizations 
in  northern  Illinois.  The  first  sermon  ever  preached  in  McHenry  County 
was  by  a  Baptist  minister  named  Southworth,  one  Saturday  evening  in 
April,  1836,  at  the  home  of  Calvin  Spencer.  The  audience  was  composed 
of  less  than  a  dozen  people.  Reverend  Southworth  was  on  his  way  further 
west,  and  perished  in  the  terrible  snow  storm,  near  Rock  Island  in 
December,  1836.  Rev.  Lyman  B.  King,  preached  ;it  the  home  of  Calvin 
Spencer  iii  October,  1836,  and  from  that  date  on  as  occasion  offered, 
until  the  autumn  of  1838.  In  1840,  Kev.  Isaac  Marvin,  a  graduate  of 
Harvard  University,  was  sent  into  this  region  to  labor  in  behalf  of  the 
Baptist  Home  .Missionary  Society.  lie  ami  his  young  wife  came  in  a  one- 
horse  wagon  with  their  trunk  strapped  to  the  rear  of  the  vehicle.  Aboul 
half-way  between  Coral  and  Marengo,  a  stick  caught  in  one  of  the  wheels 
and  broke  it.  They  stopped  at  the  next  house  and  remained  over  night. 
Their  host  proved  to  be  Orson  P.  Rogers,  who  then  lived,  where  after- 
wards resided  William  Boies.  Through  this  incident  was  formed  a 
Baptist  Church  in  this  vicinity. 

It  was  August  28,  1S.")2.  when  the  Baptist  Church  of  Marengo  was 
organized  by  Rev.  Isaac  Marvin.  Its  charter  members  were  as  follows: 
Samuel  Farnum,  Beniah  Parnum,  Reuben  Parnum,  Orin  Hubbard,  John 
Robinson,  Philander  Pa<re,  Jedadiah  Rogers,  James  Andrews.  Rev.  Isaac 
Marvin.  Sarah  Marvin,  Bertha  De  Wolf,  Mary  Wilbur,  Wealthy  Safford, 
Eliza  Page,  Eliza  Stull,  Hannah  Hubbard,  Sarah  Robinson,  Phoebe 
Perry,  Nancy  Richardson,  Orpha  Farnum,  Sarah  Howe.  Clark  Richard- 
son, Harriet  E.  Bates.  The  membership  of  this  church  is  241.  The  first 
church  building,  a  frame  structure,  was  superseded  in  18H7  by  the 
present  building,  which   is  valued  at   $1"»,000. 

The  various  pastors  to  serve  here  have  been  as  follows:  Revs.  Isaac 
Marvin.  Luther  W.  Lawrence.  '/..  A.  Bryant,  David  E.  Halteman.  T.  F. 
Borchers,  0.  B.  Stone,  A.  B.  White.  J.  K.  Wheeler.  R.  L.  Haley.  A.  »i. 
Dunsford,  Ross  Matthews,  A.  -I  Morris,  W.  E.  Billings,  Vernon  s. 
Phillips.  W.  M.  Embree,  Eutrene  Xeubauer.  W.  F.  Bostick.  R.  M. 
Morphett  and  II.  P>.  Stevens. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  101 

The  I'i  i  U3ANT  Gbove  Church.    While  tliis  organization  does  not  now 

t'xist.  it  rightfully  finds  a  place  in  this  connection.  This  church  was 
organized,  December  30,  1S40.  with  seven  members.  For  the  first  year 
in.  etings  were  held  in  a  log  cabin  and  later  at  the  schoolhouse.  In  ls.">l 
the  Pleasant  Grove  Church  changed  its  name  to  that  of  the  "Coral 

Baptist  Church"  and  continued  to  worship  as  such  until  July  l's,  is."),"), 
when  pastor  and  members  all  united  with  the  Marengo  Baptist  Church. 
The  faithful  pastors  of  this  church  were  Isaac  .Marvin,  who  after  three 
years,  finding  it  hard  to  exist  on  what  was  possible  to  be  paid  him, 
resigned;  early  in  1*44.  Reverend  Lawrence  was  made  pastor,  and  his 
flock  numbered  aboul  forty  members.  lie  was  a  farmer-preacher  and 
owned  a  farm  on  the  Belvidere  road,  on  which  he  lived.  lie  drove  to 
liis   appointment    every    Saturday    and   back   home   Monday. 

The  oldest  religious  society  at  Crystal  Lake  was  the  Baptist,  it  having 
been  formed  there  in  1839,  by  Joel  Wheeler,  D.  D.,  of  McHenry.  They 
crcited  a  church  in  1853  and  it  burned  in  1864.  This  society  is  not 
active  today.  Among  its  first  members  were  Hiram  Harris,  Benjamin 
Crabtree,  Clarinda  Crabtree,  and  Benjamin  Crabtree,  Jr. 

The  First  Baptist  Church  of  Woodstock  was  organized  May  12, 
1 847,  by  Elder  Adams.  The  charter  members  were  :  Asa  Churchill,  Mrs. 
Louisa  Churchill,  Mrs.  Submit  Enos,  Mrs.  Nancy  (Enos)  Swartout,  Bela 
D.  Churchill,  Freeman  Churchill,  Elonor  Allen,  Louis  B.  Allen,  Norman 
Butts,  Jane  (Cranston)  Stowell,  Sarah  L.  Allen,  Mrs.  Polly  Butts, 
Louisa  Cranston.  The  first  services  were  held  in  a  hall,  but  in  1858  a 
church  was  erected.  This  was  subsequently  sold  and  in  1866-67  another 
church  was  built,  costing  $7,000  and  it  is  still  in  good  repair  and  in  use. 
In  1893,  improvements  were  made  on  the  present  structure,  which  cost 
the  society  $1,600.  The  old  frame  church  was  sold  to  the  -Methodist 
people  in  18(ii'. 

The  present  total  membership  of  the  church  is  103.  A  good  Sunday 
School  is  connected  with  the  church  and  this  has  an  enrollment  of  about 
150.  It  is  believed  the  first  pastors  here  were:  Revs.  Wheeler  and 
Eldridge  Whittier.  The  record  furnished  for  this  article  by  Rev.  Her- 
bert H.  Smith,  runs  as  follows   (since  1850)  : 

Rev.  Whittier— From  December.  ls.Mi.  to  November  24,  1851. 

Rev.  Wheeler — From  November  24,  1851,  to  March  31,  1855. 

Rev.  Eldridge. 

Rev.  s.  m.  Brown — From  August  1.  1852. 

Rev.  E.  F.  Guerney— From  October  21,  1855,  to  October,  1856. 

Rev.  G.  W.  Gates— From  February  8,  1858,  to  July  31,  1858. 


10-2  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Rev.  s.  Washington     Prom  September  19,  1858,  to  December,  1859. 

Rev.  N.  Colver     Prom  January  1.  1861,  to  July  26, 1861. 

Rev.  A.  C.  Bubbard     Prom  October  6,  L861,  to  October  1,  1862. 

Rev.  E.  O'Brien     Prom  January,  1863,  to  April  12,  1803. 

Rev.  Ross     Prom  June,  1863,  to  July,  181 

Rev.C   B   Egan     PromD mber,  1863,  to  April,  1864. 

Rev.  A.  S.  Freeman     From  October,  1804,  to  September,  1865. 
Rev.  John  Young— From  December  16,  1865. 
Rev.  William  M.  Haigh— From  February  1.  1866,  to  April  2, 1868. 
Rev.  J.  Sunderland-  From  .May  t.  1868,  to  July,  1S68. 

Rev.  I.  \".  Carman-  Pr .Inly  2fi.  lsii>.  to  <  tctober  3,  1869. 

Rev.   Maul- From   1870. 

Rev.  Horace  Burchard— From  April.  1870,  to  December  1,  1873. 

Rev.  E.  A.  [nc< — From  March  15,  1874.  to  August,  1874. 

Rev.  II.  L.  Stetson — From  October,  1874,  to  January.  1876. 

Rev.  P.  S.  Cox      Prom  -May.  1876,  to  February.  1877. 

Rev.  1).  s.  McEwan— From  .May  20,  1877,  to  June  7,  1880. 

Rev.  William  Ostler— From  October  1,  1880,  to  August  3,  1881. 

Rev.  J.  I).  McLean— From  September  4,  1881,  to  December,  1881. 

Rev.   Clark-  From   1883. 

Rev.  L.  Parmely— From  March  6,  1883,  to  April  27,  1884. 

Rev.  Benry  II; Le  -From  September  21,  1884,  to  September  1,  1886. 

Rev.  Edward  Met 'lain. 

Rev.  O.  W.  Kemp. 

Rev.  George  P.  Wright— From  November  I.  1888,  to  .May  11,  1890. 

Rev.  s.  E.  Cady— From  June  1,  1890,  to  May  15,  1892. 

Rev.  John  McCaw— From  November  20,  1892,  to  June  28,  1896. 

Rev.  C.  F.  Barker— From  August  2.  1896,  to  April  25,  1897. 

Rev.  E.  T.  Stevens— From  dune  0,  1897,  to  October  17,  1898. 

Rev.  C.  C.  Markham— From  November  16,  1897,  to  October  17,  1898. 

Rev.  W.  E.  Sawyer— From  December,  1899,  to  December  12.  1900. 

Rev.  s.  I'.  Morris— From  December  16,  1900,  to  November  7.  1901. 

Rev.  S.  E.  Sloon— From  November  in.  1901,  to  June  15,  1902. 

Rev.W.  I.  Powle-   Prom  July  11, 1902,  to  June  21,  1903. 

Rev.  I.  T.  Underwood— From  Augusl  9,  1903,  to  May  1.  1905. 

Rev.  d.  F.  Faker— From  September  6,  1905,  to  May  1,  1906. 

Rev.  <;.  ('.  Crippen— From  dune  in.  1906,  to  April  17.  1908. 

Rev.  L.  E.  M.  Freeman— From  October  9,  1908,  to  January,  1909. 

Rev.  John  Henry  Perry — From  Man  h  7.  1909,  i"  September  1").  1909. 

Rev.  W.  C  Monroe— From  December  7.  1909,  to  -March  30,  1913. 


A 


HISTORY  OF   McIIFXRY   COUNTS  103 

Rev.  Herbert  II.  Bmith— From  April  20, 1913,  and 
Rev.  John  L.  Hess,  the  present  pastor. 

■      CATHOLIC 

There  are  aumerous strong  and  well-directed  Catholic  churches  within 
this  county.  The  construction  of  railroads  through  the  county  brought 
many  Irish  and  other  foreign-born  of  this  religious  faith  to  the  county 
and  many  of  these,  after  finishing  the  railroad  work,  settled  here  and 
formed  a  strong  nucleus  which  added  to  those  who  had  settled  in  and 
near  McHenry  village,  as  early  as  islO,  made  possible  the  organization 
of  some  prosperous  parishes. 

St.  Patrick's  Catholic  Chdboh,  was  organized  at  McHenry,  in 
1840  by  Rev.  M.  St.  Palais,  afterwards  Bishop  of  Yincennes.  The  charter 
members  were:  John  Sutton,  Michael  Sutton,  George  Prisby  and  James 
Gibbs. 

There  are  now  ISO  souls  in  this  parish.  The  first  church  was  built 
in  1853  at  a  cost  of  $300;  in  1872  it  was  rebuilt  at  a  cost  of  $2,000;  in 
1883  it  was  enlarged  and  valued  at  $3,000.  The  present  church  edifice 
and  property  is  valued  at  $15,000.  The  rectory,  which  was  built  in 
1899,  with  its  property  is  valued  at  $5,000. 

There  is  at  this  time  an  out  .Mission  at  Richmond,  this  county.  .Mass 
i-  said  at  Richmond  on  the  first  and  third  Sundays  of  the  month. 

The  following  have  served  as  the  faithful  pastors  of  this  parish: 
Rev.  Fathers:  M.  St.  Palais,  Gigwan,  McGorick,  McMahan,  Hampstead 
Brady,  1'.  GafEney,  .lames  Moran,  Andrew  Eustace,  James  Meagher,  P. 
Smith.  G.  Pendergrast,  Peter  Birch,  John  Kilkenny,  John  A.  Waves, 
Peter  J.  Gormley,  .Michael  Welby,  P.  M.  O'Neil,  Paul  Burke,  D.  Lehane, 
II.  Hagen,  Charles  Quinn,  J.  Lynch,  and  M.  J.  McEvoy,  who  was  ap- 
pointed to  St.  Patrick's  in  August,  1915,  is  the  present  pastor. 

St.  Joiix's  Catholic  Church.  The  first  church  formed  at  Johns- 
burg  was  St.  John's,  in  1843,  by  Father  Portman,  there  being  but  three 
families  in  the  parish  at  that  time,  those  of  Nick  Adams,  Jacob  Smith 
and  Nick  Frett.  There  are  now  130  families,  705  souls  in  the  parish. 
At  first  they  worshipped  in  a  log  cabin,  but  soon  erected  a  frame  church, 

and  in  1879  erected  a  stone  editie sting  $45,000.     The  present  church, 

built  in  1900,  cost  $7.".. ooo.     This  is  one  of  the  strong  churches  of  the 
county.     Rev.  William  Weber  is  the  present  pastor. 

St.  Mary's  Catholic  Church,  of  YVoodstock,  was  organized  in  1854 
by  Father  Mc.Mahen.  who  died  of  yellow  fever  in  the  South  about  live 


Hit  BISTORT  OF  Mi  BENE?  COUNTY 

years  afterward.  Among  the  more  prominenl  members  who  assisted  in 
organizing  this  Chnrch  are  recalled  the  aamea  of  such  faithful  souls 
as  \eill  Donnelly,  who  was  merchant,  mayor  and  sheriff  at  sundry  times 
in  this  county;  John  Donnelly,  Francis  short,  John  .1.  Murphy,  banker 

and  lawyer. 

Previous  to  building  a  church  here  the  Catholics  of  this  community 

worshiped  at   Ilartland.     The  first   church  edifice  erected   in   \V IstiM-k 

was  a  brick  structure  iii  1856,  its  cost  being  about  $4,000.  In  18S1 
this  building  was  remodeled  and  enlarged  to  meet  the  pressing  Deeds. 
This  seated  over  400  persons.  The  property  was  then  valued  at  $12,000. 
The  membership  of  the  parish  was  one  hundred  families.  The  present 
membership  is  1,000.  Among  the  faithful  pastors  of  this  church  should 
not  be  overlooked:  Rev.  Fathers:  Hugh  T.  Brady,  who  came  in  1852  and 
left  in  1855;  Barnard  OTIarra.  who  came  in  1855  and  remained  until 
1858,  James  Meagher,  who  came  in  1859  and  continued  until  I860; 
Terrance  Fitzsimmons,  who  served  from  I860  to  1867  and  was  followed 
by  Rev.  Lyons.  All  of  the  priests  above  named  died  prior  to  1885. 
In  1868  came  Rev.  J.  M.  Ryan  and  following  him  were  Rev.  P.  M. 
Reardon,  assisted  by  Revs.  Peter  Sheedy  and  Rev.  Eagan.  Rev.  T. 
Qnigley,  the  aexl  priesl  was  followed  by  Rev.  L.  Lightner,  D.  D.,  who 
remained  till  1870  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Lawrence  Dunne,  who 
remained  till  1871,  when  he  was  followed  by  Rev.  John  Carroll,  who 
arrived  in  1871  and  remained  till  November,  1877,  after  which  came 
Rev.  Thomas  F.  Leyden.  Rev.  D.  J.  Conway  has  been  in  charge  of  the 
parish  for  many  years,  and  has  built  up  a  strong  church  and  fine 
parochial  school.  Splendid  modern-styled  buildings  adorn  the  beautiful 
grounds  in  the  central  part  of  the  city.  The  present  church,  erected  in 
1909,  is  valued  at  $75,000.  Father  Conway  has  been  highly  successful 
in  his  work  and  is  greatly  beloved  by  all  within  and  without  his  own 
church.  Public-spirited  and  true  to  American  ideas,  through  the  late 
war  he  proved  himself  worthy  of  the  highest  esteem  from  all  classes. 

No  point  in  the  state  can  show  a  finer  Catholic  school  building  than 
St.  Mary's  of  Woodstock.  It  was  erected  in  1916,  at  a  cost  of  $50,000, 
and  was  dedicated  in  August,  1916.  It  has  ideal  lighting  and  heating 
arrangements  and  spacious  play-grounds.  The  main  structure,  85  by 
120  feet,  is  two  stories  above  the  fine  much  used  basement. 

St.  Joseph  Catholic  Church,  was  formed  in  1866  at  Harvard. 
From  a  beautiful  Jubilee  book  printed  on  the  occasion  of  the  semi- 
centennial of  this  parish,  the  writer  is  able  to  glean  considerable  inter- 
esting as  well  as  very  valuable  history. 


111STOHV  OF  MrllEXRY  COUNTY 


in:, 


In  lMiti.  the  inurrcss  of  the  railroad  and  the  immigration  of  many  of 
the  stalwart  Bons  of  Ireland  increased  the  population  t<>  such  an  extent 
thai  the  church  authorities  considered  Harvard  of  sufficient  importance 

to  have  a  resident  pastor  and  Father  Fitzsimmons  was  the  priest  chosen. 
The  little  congregation  rallied  round  its  pastor  and  it  was  not  long 
before  they  left  the  store  building  on  Main  street  for  the  new  h>z  church. 
The  building  of  the  h"_r  church  was  no  small  task  for  the  few  that  had 
it  all  to  do.  Father  Fitzsimmona  did  not  live  long  to  enjoy  the  fruits 
of  his  labors,  and  in  the  year  1869,  he  passed  to  his  eternal  reward. 
For  the  next  twenty-one  years  Father  Dominic  Egan  attended  1"  the 
spiritual  needs  of  the  Catholics  of  Harvard  and  there  are  many  promin- 
ent men  and  women  of  today  who  received  their  first  catechetical  instruc- 
tion from  Father  Egan.  In  1890,  this  good  priest  left  Harvard  for 
Chicago,  to  establish  the  parish  of  St.  Stephens,  where  he  now  resides 
in  the  vigor  and  strength  of  a  ripened  old  age,  admired  and  loved  by 
all. 

The  little  wooden  church  had  now  outgrown  its  usefulness,  and 
Father  .lames  E.  Hogan  was  sent  to  Harvard  to  bring  about  a  better 
state  of  affairs  in  way  of  buildings.  He  succeeded  in  his  work  beyond 
the  expectations  of  all  and  the  present  beautiful  Gothic  church  stands 
as  a  lasting  monument  to  his  faithfulness  and  good  judgment.  In 
July,  1894  the  city  of  Harvard  was  shocked  by  the  news  that  Father 
Hogan  was  drowned  in  Lake  Geneva  and  great  was  the  sorrow  expressed 
by  all  citizens.  The  sad  accident  happened  in  the  late  afternoon  when 
a  strong  wind  arising  capsized  the  boat,  which  had  contained  the  crew, 
Father  Hogan,  his  sister,  his  brother  and  his  brother's  wife.  All  were 
drowned. 

For  the  next  sixteen  years  St.  Joseph's  parish  had  for  its  pastors 
the  kind  and  generous  Father  Stack  and  the  pious  and  gentle  Father 
Goulet.  On  July  12,  1912,  the  present  pastor.  Rev.  Daniel  A.  Feely, 
assumed  charge  of  St.  Joseph's  Church  and  the  work  he  has  accomplished 
in  the  last  few  years  proves  his  ability.  His  first  and  uppermost  thought 
was  to  add  to  the  comfort  of  his  people.  He  installed  a  fine  heating 
system  for  the  church  building;  he  also  interested  himself  in  procuring 
temporary  quarters  for  the  parochial  residence,  and  when  the  debt  was 
liquidated  he  started  that  which  was  nearer  to  his  heart,  namely  the 
parochial  school.  The  present  enrollment  on  the  parochial  school  is 
about  170.  It  is  impossible  to  estimate  the  mental  as  well  as  physical 
energy  expended  on  this  work  by  him.  The  church  property  is  worth 
at   least   $150,000.      It    is  stated   that    in   all   this   work   he   was    greatly 


Hii;  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

assisted  by  the  work  of  Father  BZeenan,  "a  man  of  gentle  and  kindly 
habits,  true  as  steel  and  us  constant  as  the  grace  of  God." 

Oilier  priests  who  haw  had  charge  at  Harvard  in  years  long  ago 
were:  Revs.  Patrick  EUordan,  and  Thomas  Ojiijrlev.  In  1884  the  parish 
of  Harvard  comprised  200  families,  [t's  presenl  membership  is  about 
250  families  and  1,000  communicants. 

Sacked  Hi  ibt  Catholic  Chuech  was  organized  about  1867.    In  its 

early  days  it  was  a  part  of  the  I'.elvidere  Parish  and   Father  P.  C.  Guire 

and  Dr.  O 'Callahan,  with  their  assistant  priests  attended  it.  Not  until 
about  1902  did  Maremro  became  a  separate  parish.  Rev.  Father  Swanson 
becoming  the  firsl  pastor.    He  was  succ led  by  Rev.  D.  J.  McCaffrey 

and  still  later  by  Daniel  Patrick  Dreusman.  the  present  pastor.  The 
first  building  was  a  frame  structure  once  owned  by  the  Methodist  people, 
but  sold  to  the  Catholics  who  used  it  about  ten  years.  In  1908  the  church 
erected  a  new  handsome  church  edifice  which  is  valued  at  $40,000. 

The  present  membership  of  this  cnninvL'ation  is  about  450  souls,  or 
11(1  families.  A  church  cemetery  is  located  just  to  the  north  of  the  city 
limits  of  Marengo. 

St.  Thomas  Catholic  Church  is  situated  in  the  village  of  Crystal 
Lake.  It  was  organized  in  June,  1881,  by  Father  Leyden,  and  its 
charter  members  were  as  follows:  John  Purvey.  .lames  Brannen,  Cor- 
nelius Malone,  James  Kelley.  Tim  Kelley,  William  Clark,  John  McGarry, 
James  Gannon,  John  Riley,  Tom  Leonard,  .lohn  Leonard,  James  Burke. 
John  Callahan.  Patrick  Bolestry.  The  church  edifice  erected  in  1881 
still  stands  and  is  valued  with  the  lot  at  $10,000.  The  membership  of 
St.  Thomas  congregation  is  400. 

The  various  priests  who  have  served  these  people  are:  Revs.  Fathers 
Leyden,  Clancy.  Quinn,  Fox.  Dorney,  Lonergan  and  present  pa-tor. 
Rev.  Edwin  McCormiek. 

St.  Mary's  Catholic  Church.  Through  the  kindness  of  Father 
Edward  Pcrthold.  the  following  facts  concerning  the  organization  and 
development  of  St.  Mary's  Church  and  parish  at  McHenry  have  been 
gathered  : 

In  the  early  nineties  McHenry  received  a  strong  influx  of  Catholic 
families  from  Johnsburg  and  the  surrounding  villages.  To  enjoy  the 
accommodations  of  an  attractive  river  town  many  farmers  retired  and 
built  homesteads  in  McHenry.  Old  St.  Patrick's  church  was  soon  over- 
taxed and  headed  by  Dr.  Rogers  a  delegation  of  citizens  presented  the 
matter  and  the  needs  of  McHenry  to  Most  Rev.  P.  A.  Feehan.  D.  D., 
at  that  time  Archbishop  of  Chicago.     Efforts  were   made  by   Father 


HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY  107 

Mehring  of  Johnsburg  to  delay  the  movement,  but  the  determined  people 
of  McIIenry  succeeded  in  raising  funds  and  obtained  episcopal  sanction 
to  purchase  the  McIIcnry  public  school  which  was  for  sale  at  thai  time. 
Accordingly,  Rev.  P.  Kirsch  was  appointed  in  the  summer  of  1894  to 

take  charge  of  the  newly  formed  parish  and  this  young  divine  I anie 

the  lirs!  resident  pastor. 

The  spacious  I  wo  story  brick  school  building  accommodated  the  parish 
for  religious  services  four  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  preparation 
heiran  for  the  erection  of  a  pretentious  Gothic  church  edifice,  seating 
five  hundred  people.  The  parochial  school  gradually  grew  with  the 
increasing  parish.  Today  it  accommodates  135  children  who  arc  taughl 
by  four  experienced  instructors,  sisters  whose  mother  house  is  in  Mil- 
waukee. St.  Mary's  school  is  reputed  to  be  a  standard  school  today. 
teaching  eight  grades  in  four  large  classrooms.  It  is  fully  equipped, 
steam  heated,  sanitary,  efficient,  and  abreast  with  the  times.  During 
the  last  few  years,  under  the  direction  of  the  present  pastor.  Rev.  Ed- 
ward Berthold,  this  private  school  has  made  a  remarkable  stride. 
Spacious  school  grounds  and  play  ground  apparatus  is  a  notable  feature 
in  the  physical  culture  of  children  attending  the  McHenry  Parochial 
School.     Sister  Sydia  is  superintendent  and  principal  since  1918. 

In  1917  larger  and  more  modern  accommodations  were  undertaken 
in  behalf  of  the  school  sisters  who  had  been  obliged  to  take  quarters 
in  a  rented  frame  house  several  blocks  away.  A-  spacious  two-story 
brick  building  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  +10,000.  The  school  grounds 
were  enlarged  and  the  property  beautified. 

During  the  funeral  rites  over  the  deceased  Peter  Scheid  of  Crystal 
Lake.  April,  1918.  a  disastrous  fire  broke  out  destroying  a  beautiful 
Gothic  structure.  This  church  had  just  been  paid  for.  On  account 
of  inadequate  water  supply  a  volunteer  fire  company  was  unable  to 
save  the  edifice.  .Most  of  the  contents  were  saved  and  the  parish  col- 
lected $15,000  insurance.  War  prices  made  reconstruction  difficult 
and  expensive,  but  the  people  made  signal  sacrifice  to  float  the  project 
which  cost  $25,000.  New  St.  Mary's,  more  beautiful  than  the  old,  was 
dedicated  in  September.  1919.  It  is  notable  for  its  red  tile  roofing, 
reinforced  steel  trusses,  copper  cupola  and  most  especially  for  its  ec- 
clesiastical mural  d irations  executed  by  Paul  X.  Klosc  of  .Milwaukee. 

It  is  now  valued  at  $50,000. 

The  church  started  here  with  a  membership  of  sixty  families  and 
lias  grown  to  181,  and  900  souls.  The  old  public  school  building  was 
purchased  by  the  church  for  $900,  in  1894.    In  1895,  a  parsonage  was 


ins  HISTORY  OF   M<  HENRY  COUNTY 

built  at  a  eosi  of  $-.nnii.     The  Gothic  church  edifice  i-i-.-.-t<-<l  in  1898 

COSt   $1C,400;  it   was  l.ur I    April.   1918;   rebuilt   at   a  cost    of  (25,000. 

Tin-  Sisters'  Convent  was  bnilt  in  1917  at  a  cost  of  $10,000. 

The  pastors  for  this  successful  parish  nave  been  as  follows:  Rev. 
Fathers  F.  Borsch,  M.  W.  Barth,  Anthony  Boyer,  who  died  October, 
1914.  and  present  pastor,  Rev.  Edward  Berthold,  w  ho  took  charge  in 
1915. 

CHRISTIAN'  SCIENCE 

first  chdbcb  OF  chbist,  scientist.  Among  the  later  religions  or 
ganizations  in  the  county  is  that  of  Christian  Science,  which  has  quite 
a  following  at  different  places,  but  no  regular  organized  church  society 

outside  of  the  one  at  Woodstock,  known  as  the  "First  Church  of  Christ. 
Scientist."  This  was  the  outgrowth  of  the  christian  Science  Society 
there,  and  was  incorporated  January  L'T,  1910.  The  first  services  here 
were  held  in  the  home  of  Harry  Hilands,  on  North  Hoy  street,  January 
5,  1908,  and  meetings  were  held  there  until  January.  1911,  when  the 
followers  went  to  the  supervisors'  rooms  at  the  courthouse.  There 
they  held  services  regularly  until  August  30,  1914,  when  they  moved 
to  the  old  Belcher  residence  property  at  the  corner  of  Dean  and  South 
Streets,  which  was  purchased  December,  1914,  and  was  all  paid  for  by 
January,  1917.  The  seating  capacity  of  the  building  is  about  sixty 
persons.  A  Christian  Science  reading  room  was  established  there  in 
1915. 

The  Christian  Science  Society  was  organized  July  30,  1912,  with 
seven  charter  members,  as  follows:  .Mr.  and  .Mrs.  Harry  Hilands, 
-Mrs.  Carrie  Hill.  Mrs.  Susie  W.  Clark,  Mrs.  Louise  Eberwein,  Mrs. 
Fmilie  L.  Gall  and  Mr.  Prank  Drahehn.  Services  are  held  each  Sab- 
bath; a  Sunday  school  is  supported  and  the  reading  room  is  open  several 
days  each  week. 

CONGREGATIONAL 

CRYSTAL  lake  ciifKcii.  Among  the  oldest  churches  of  this  denomi- 
nation in  this  part  of  the  c dry  is  the  Congregational  church  at  the 

city  of  Crystal  Lake,  which  was  organized  June  111,  1842.  The  charter 
members  were  as  follows:  Reuben  Jenne,  Mrs.  Susan  Jenne,  John  W. 
Salisbury,  Mrs.  Eliza  A.  Salisbury.  Allen  Baldwin,  George  W.  Dike  ami 
James  T.  Pierson.    The  present  membership  of  this  church  is  ninety-five. 


HISTORY  OK  MclIKXKV  COUNTS  109 

A  frame  building  was  erected  in  1849,  the  cosl  of  which  is  now  un- 
known. Another  Erame  edifice  was  built  in  1867,  opposite  the  Park, 
and  is  valued  at  $8,000.     It  was  dedicated  in  186S. 

The  following  have  served  as  pastors  in  the  order  here  noted:  Revs. 
E.  (!.  Howe,  Hiram  Kellogg,  Spencer  Balser,  John  V.  Downs,  Isaac  C. 

Beach,  <i ge  Langdon,  Blkanah  Whitney,  John  V.  Downs,  Francis  L. 

Puller,   Henry    E.   Barnes,  James  II.   Harwood,   Norman   A.   Willard, 

•  lames  II.  Harwood,  Samuel  ('.  Hay,  William  P.  Hose,  Robert  Hay. 
Edwin  X.  Andrewa,  Samuel  ('.  Hay,  Edwin  D.  Bailey,  Charles  J.  Adams. 
Reuben  P..  Wright,  A.  B.  Allaben,  Henry  Willard.  -lames  R.  Kay,  Eu- 
gene  P.  Wright,  Otho  M.  Van  Swearinger,  Winfield  R.  Gaylord,  John 
E.  Evans,  J.  Vincent  Willis,  V.  Greenwood,  II.  M.  Collecod,  W.  T.  Mc- 
Gann,  A.  C.  Heyman,  J.  B.  Johnston,  A.  .1.  Saunders,  W.  II.  Traimem, 
Theodore  Kellogg,  F.  P.  Ford,  present  pastor. 

THE  FIHst  CONGREGATIONAL  CHUBCE  OF  RICHMOND  was  organized  De- 
cember  23,  1843,  by  the  following  charter  members:  Robert  W.  Chap- 
man, "Walter  Jones,  Eliza  Jones,  Daniel  Howe,  Joshua  Post,  Emaline 
Post  and  John  Brown.  Rev.  L.  Rogers  was  chosen  moderator.  The 
present  membership  is  forty-four.  A  frame  church  was  erected  in 
1859,  and  another  built  in  1896,  valued  at  $2,000. 

The  following  have  served  as  pastors  for  this  church  :  Revs.  I.  K. 
Hart,  J.  V.  Downs,  C.  C.  Caldwell,  Francis  J.  Douglas,  Charles  II. 
Frascr,  II.  W.  Harbaugh,  II.  O.  Spillman,  B.  C.  Preston,  J.  B.  Orr, 
H.  A.  Kerns,  J.  W.  llelmoth,  Frank  P..  Hicks,  Alex  B.  Cutler,  S.  II. 
Herbert,  P.  H.  Barker,  F.  A.  WTilliams,  Howard  Moore,  Fred  Squires, 
John  Herring,  Clay  E.  Palmer,  Ralph  T.  Cass. 

Tin:  ALGONQUIN  Chuech  was  organized  at  the  village  of  Algonquin, 
February  9,  1850,  and  had  for  its  charter  members  .lames  Humes  and 
wife,  Rosalinda;  Ambrose  Dodd,  Mrs.  Ann  Kerns,  John  Van  Buren  and 
wife,  Livonia;  -Mrs.  Abigail  Smoek,  .Mrs.  Jane  Foster,  Wright  Warren 
and  wife,  Cynthia;  Samuel  G.  Foster.     The  present  membership  is  111. 

The  original  church  building  was  dedicated  January  17,  1868;  it  was 
remodeled,  as  at  present,  in  1913  and  dedicated  November  9,  1913.  The 
tiist  parsonage  is  still  in  use.    The  church  is  valued  at  $5,500. 

An  effort  to  secure  the  names  of  the  pastors  upon  the  part  of  the 
compiler  of  this  chapter  has  not  met  with  success.  However,  from  an 
old  publication  from  church  authority,  the  following  incomplete  'list 
of    pastors    has   been    found   and    will   be    here   attached:     Revs.    C.    L. 


110  HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

Ball,  N.  C  (lark.  X.  shapely,  E.  C.  Berge,  J.  D.  Davis  who  rani.-  in 
1867,  I.  B.  Smith,  T.  Qulespie,  W.  W.  Cutless,  a  Miss  Newman,  Rev. 
Hill  of  the  Methodist  church  preached  half  time  for  this  church  and 
later  became  a  Congregational  minister.  He  was  succeeded  l>y  Alfred 
Wray.  who  came  in  1878;  next  was  Rev.  Andrich,  followed  by  Rev. 
Buestis,  ami  be  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  C.  C.  Campbell,  who  in  lss.'i  was 
still  pastor.    The  presenl  pastor  is  Rev.  J.  P.  Bishop. 

the  huntley  CHURCH  was  organized  in  1852  by  the  "Congrega- 
tional Church  Society."  The  early  records  are  not  intact  at  this  date, 
but  from  a  former  county  history  it  is  learned  that  the  church  was 
formed  September  11,  1852,  by  two  clergymen,  Revs.  Starr  and  Dicke- 
son.  Up  to  1865  there  was  no  church  building  in  which  to  worship,  but 
under  the  ministration  of  Rev.  C.  S.  Harrison,  a  commodious  structure 
was  provided.  Among  the  pastors  have  been  Revs.  L.  Church,  Daniel 
Chapman.  W.  W.  Curtiss,  C.  H.  Abbott,  H.  W.  George,  A.  K.  Wray, 
T.  L.  Brown,  Charles  Hartley,  and  J.  R.  Smith. 

The  membership  of  the  church  today  is  about  156.  The  same  frame 
edifice  erected  in  1864-5  is  still  doing  service.     It  is  valued  at  $19,000. 

the  first  congregational  church  at  Woodstock.  From  the  pres- 
ent church  clerk,  Archie  W.  Hill,  and  from  other  sources,  it  is  learned 
that  this  church  was  organized  in  186"),  with  charter  members  as  fol- 
lows: Caleb  Williams,  Cordelia  B.  Williams,  Nelson  Diggins,  Katy  M. 
Diggins,  Orvis  Gage,  Fannie  Page,  Timothy  B.  Bidwell,  Abner  Bidwell, 
I  twin  K.  Bidwell,  Hattie  Baldwin,  J.  H.  Branson.  Margarel  Kelly,  John 

C.  Williams,  L.  A.  Barrows,  Emily  S.  Barrows.  The  membership  today 
is  about  116.  The  property  of  the  society  is  valued  at  $17,000  and 
consists  of  a  brick  church  and  a  frame  parsonage.  The  first  church 
building  was  a  frame  one,  erected  in  1866.  The  present  church  was 
built  in  1907.  The  pastors  have  included  the  following,  in  the  order 
given:  Revs.  J.  J.  A.  T.  Dixon,  J.  R.  Danforth,  A.  L.  Riggs,  A.  P. 
Johnson,  L.  V.  Price,  T.  C.  Northcutt,  M.  A.  Stevens,  E.  J.  Alden.  .1. 

D.  Wells,  W.  A.  Evans,  E.  B.  Boggers,  I.  N.  Adrian,  Harry  B.  Long,  C. 

E.  Enlow,  W.  R.  Gaylord,  Roy  B.  Guild,  John  W.  Moore,  C.  H.  Bente, 
William  Kilbourne,  V.  P.  Welch,  John  W.  Herring,  and  Ira  D.  Stone. 

EPISCOPAL 

Christ  Episcopal  Church.  The  Episcopalians  at  one  time  had  more 
active  parishes  within  this  county  than  at  this  date.     Woodstock,  Ma- 


£M> 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  111 

rengo  and  numerous  places  had  mission  churches  planted,  but  the  only 
really  active  Episcopal  Church  in  Mdlenry  County  now  is  Christ  Epis- 
copal Church  at  Harvard.  The  planting  of  the  church  here  "Was  the 
accomplishment  of  an  effort  begun  under  very  unpromising  circum- 
stances, as  there  were  already  three  Protestant  churches  here,  there 
did  not  seem  to  be  any  other  call  for  additional  work  in  a  religious 
line.  Hut  there  were  a  lew  families,  of  the  Angelican  communion,  who 
felt  a  desire  to  see  an  Episcopal  church  established  here,  and  by  their 
united  and  zealous  efforts,  the  end  was  attained.  The  initial  steps  were 
begun  by  Rev.  Peter  Arvedson,  who  had  built  a  church  at  Algonquin. 
Appointed  missionary-at-large  for  some  northern  counties  in  this  state, 
he  became  especially  interested  in  numbers  of  old-country  people  settled 
on  farms  in  McHenry  County,  and  by  occasional  friendly  visits  among 
them  won  their  confidence  and  esteem.  Their  Dumber  was  not  large, 
but  they  became  the  nucleus  of  what  afterwards  became  Christ's  Epis- 
copal Church  of  Harvard.  On  a  petition  being  signed  and  sent  to 
Bishop  McLaren,  asking  for  a  resident  priest  to  hold  regular  services, 
Rev.  A.  A.  Fiske  was  induced  to  accept  the  position  and  serve  the  little 
band  of  believers,  beginning  his  work  in  the  Congregational  Church 
building  which  was  leased  for  that  purpose.  The  first  services  were 
held  by  Mr.  Fiske  in  January,  1877 ;  the  last  in  May,  1880. 

Meanwhile  measures  hail  been  ripening  among  the  members  to  build 
a  house  of  worship  of  their  own.  A  lot  was  secured  and  ground  broken 
for  the  foundation  of  the  present  church,  upon  which  the  carpenters 
began  their  work  in  November.  1SS0,  ami  finished  it  in  the  summer  of 
1881.  The  new  edifice  was  opened  for  divine  worship  in  September 
that  year  and  on  Sunday.  .May  8,  1885,  the  church  was  consecrated  by 
Bishop  McLaren.  The  churcb  property,  comprising  all  of  the  build- 
ings, is  valued  at  $30,000. 

In  1886  Rev.  Fiske  resigned  his  charge  on  a  call  being  sent  him 
from  the  churcb  at  Austin,  111.,  and  other  rectors  followed  him,  until 
Reverend  Fiske  was  called  again  to  his  old  charge,  and  continued  its 
faithful  pastor  until  his  health  failed  a  few  years  ago,  since  which  time 
he  lias  lived  a  quiet,  retired  life  among  the  people  of  other  days,  when 
he  built  up  one  of  the  strongest  churches  of  his  denomination  in  this 
part  of  Illinois. 

The  present  membership  is  153.  The  church  school  has  a  member- 
ship of  about  forty-five  pupils,  with  Mrs.  C.  J.  Hendricks  as  super- 
intendent. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  rectors  for  this  church  :    Revs.  A.  A.  Fiske, 


112  HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Francis  J.  Hall,  E.  R.  Sweetland,  J.  I'..  Williams,  F.  E.  Brandt,  R.  S. 

Hannah,  I'..  E.  Chapman,  H.  A.  Lepper,  William  Henry  I! I.  the  pres 

flit  incumbent. 

The  rectory  was  purchased  in  1908  ami  in  1913  a  parish  bouse  was 
erected  of  brick.    St.  Mary's  Guild  is  presided  ever  by  .Mrs.  .Mary  A 
Fiskc;  st.  Catherine's  Guild,  by   Mrs.   »'.  M.  Johnson;  St.   Martin's 
Guild  Acolytes,   Harry   Hosier.   Master  of  Ceremonies  Christ    Church 

.Men's  ciuh.  with  ins  mbers,  was  organized  bj   Rev.  K.  E.  Brandt  in 

1907.  Hon.  J.  11.  Viekers  was  elected  its  tirst  president.  The  clubrooms 
of  this  club  "ere  recently  built  especially  with  this  objeel  in  view  ami  are 
in  all  ways  modern  in  appointment,  having  line  reading  rooms,  billiard 
parlor  and  many  conveniences.  It  should  here  be  added  in  conclusion 
that  whatever  success  has  come  to  this  church  has  been  largely  due 
to  the  devout  men  who  have  been  its  rectors — men  of  scholarship  and 
advanced  ideas  in  church  work. 

At  Spriii<_'  drove.  St.  Mary's  Episcopal  church  was  formed  May  5, 
1873,  by  Rev.  Peter  Avidson  and  flourished  as  long  as  the  English 
resided  in  that  vicinity. 

The  first  services  held  in  Algonquin  township  was  by  the  Episcopal 
people  who  assembled  at  the  home  of  Samuel  Gillilan,  in  1836.  St. 
John's  Protestant  Episcopal  church  was  organized  at  Algonquin  in  1844. 
A  church  was  built  in  1864  and  was  clear  of  debt  in  1871.  Rev.  Avidson, 
rector,  died  there  in  November,  1880.  Other  denominations  have  virtu- 
ally crowded  this  church  out  of  the  field. 

LUTHERAN 

Emmanuel  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church.  This  church  was  or 
ganized  at  Crystal  Lake  in  1S69-70,  by  Rev.  h'ichmann.  then  located  at 
Elgin,  HI.  The  constitution  was  signed  by  thirty-six  constituent  mem- 
bers, only  one  of  whom  still  survives,  John  Hold  of  Crystal  Lake.  John 
Berg,  F.  T.  Reddersdorf,  John  Han-.  F.  Wen. It.  John  Ritt,  Fred  West 
l>hal,  Karl  Kruse.  Carl  Kniebuseh,  William  Kniebusch,  John  Sund,  Mr. 
Zimmerman  were  also  members.  The  present  membership  of  this  con- 
gregation is  (100. 

The  first  building  erected  in  187")  by  the  congregation,  was  a  frame 
schoolhouse  20x36  feet.  John  Sund  contractor,  at  a  cost  of  $575.  This 
building  is  now  a  part  of  John  Rudder's  store  at  Crystal  Lake.  In 
1877  a  church  standing  near  Crystal  Lake  Park  was  purchased  for  $400 
and  moved  to  the  lot  on  McHenry  Avenue.    This  was  next  to  the  school- 


BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


11.; 


house.  In  ls!»."i  this  building  was  taken  down  and  the  presenl  edifice 
built.  Ii  is  86x44  feet,  with  two  steeples  160  feet,  and  cosl  £6,000.  It 
is  valued  al  $10,000.  The  children  of  the  congregation  attend  the  day 
schools,  bul  for  strangers  there  is  maintained  a  Sunday  school,  having 
both  German  and  English  departments  thai  is  now  attended  bj  aboul 
twenty-nine  children.    The  daj  school  is  attended  bj   111  pupils. 

The  following  pastors  have  served  this  congregation:  Revs.  II. 
Schmidt,  located  al  Dundee;  Rev.  Richmann,  Elgin,  Rev.  Adam  Betzer, 
of  Desplaines,  supplied.  The  firsl  residenl  pastor  was  Rev.  Eenry 
Schmidt,  1875-80.     He  was  followed  by:  Rev.  M.  Heyer,  1880-83;  Karl 

Schmidt,  1883  97;  G.  Bertram,  1897-1904;  and  Rev.  P.  G.  Kuehnerl  ci 

in  1904  and  is  the  present  pastor. 

Trinity  Evangelical  Li  theran  Chxtrch  was  organized  at  Huntley, 
March  1,  1871,  by  Rev.  P.  \V.  Richmann,  <>i'  Elgin.  The  charter  mem 
bers  were  as  follows:  John  Schrader,  Henry  Heuer,  John  Prost,  John 
Gutshow,  Charles  Gruitzmacher,  Pred  Miller,  Fred  Zimmerman  and 
Henry  Heinemann,  Sr.,  who  died  at  the  advanced  age  id'  ninety-five 
years,  in  1917.    The  presenl  membership  is  :;7.">  souls. 

In  1872  they  built  a  fine,  large  church  in  which  to  worship.  Willi 
alterations  and  additions  the  properly  is  valued  at  $23,000.  Ill  1878, 
under  Rev.  -I.  E.  Baumgartner,  a  steeple  was  added  to  the  church,  the 
same  boiut;  Id")  feel  hiidi,  and  the  hell  weighs  545  pounds.  The  con- 
gregation owns  a  beautiful  school  property  near  the  church,  creeled  ill 
1912,  a  brick  structure  46x28  feet,  is  equipped  with  all  modern  improve- 
ments and  is  really  an  honor  and  credit  to  the  village  of  Huntley,  lis 
value  is  $5,000.  The  present  pastor.  Reverend  Baumgartner,  organized 
a  Sunday  school  of  aboul  seventy-live  pupils.  He  also  ha-  charge  of 
the  parochial  school  of  the  congregation  where  the  Bible  and  common 
school  branches  are  taught,  and  from  here  pupils  are  fitted  for  the 
seventh  or  eighth  grades  in  the  public  schools.  As  pastor,  superintendent 
and  instructor.  1  he  presenl  faithful  pastor  is  kept  very  busy.  Besides 
his  congregation  at  Huntley  he  also  cares  for  a  church  at  Gilberts,  where 
he  holds  services  monthly. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  pastors  who  have  served  this  congregation: 
Revs.  !■'.  W.  Richmann,  1^71-7:1;  C.  Steinrauf,  1873-75;  John  E.  Baum- 
gartner, L875-87;  -I.  I..  Cramer.  1877-89;  <!.  Guelker.  1SS9-1903;  Daniel 

Pollott,  1903-10;  and  Rev.  Louis  Baumgartner,  who  assu I  charge  in 

1910,  is  the  presenl  pastor  and  under  whose  Leadership  the  congregation 
is  constantly  increasing. 

St.  .John  's  EvANGELK   IL  Ll  tiii.i;  \.\  (  IhURCH  is  situated  at  tin rner 


11  I  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

of  Calhoun  and  Jefferson  Btreets,  Woodstock.  It  was  organized  in  April, 
1874,  under  direction  of  Rev.  Carl  Schmidt,  lis  charter  members  were 
as  follows:  Ji  tin  Reiber,  William  Scharnau,  Carl  Etiedel,  Joachim  Zierk, 
John  Kindt,  Car]  Wienks,  William  Kindt,  Fred  Albrecht,  Chrisl  Vogt, 
Fred  Jiervitz,  John  Wellner,  Carl  Sahs,  Fred  Kindt,  William  Knei 
busch,  John  Schuett,  Sr.,  Louis  barchmann,  John  Schuett,  Jr.,  John 
Niemann,  Carl  Nagel.  The  membership  in  1875  was  twenty-five  fami- 
lies, The  presenl  membership  of  this  church  is  about  329  souls,  divided 
as  follows:  seventy-six  voting  members,  and  253  communicants. 

The  school  connected  with  this  church  is  as  follows:  Christian  day 
school,  seven  grades,  U.  Q.  Ernst,  teacher ;  membership  thirty-nine  pupils. 
Sunday  school,  sixtj  two  pupil--:  R.  G.  Ernst,  teacher.  Rev.  11.  A.  Laufer 
is  superintendenl  of  both  schools.  The  Sunday  school  is  conducted 
entirely  in  English. 

The  pastors  serving  tliis  church  bave  been  in  the  following  order: 
Revs.  M.  Heyer,  Carl  Schmidt  and  II.  G.  Schmidt,  who  were  aonresidi 

c ing   from   various  plan's.     The  first    resident    pastor  was  Rev.   II. 

Engelbrecht,  L894-96;  Rev.  II.  Dannenfeldt,  L897-02;  Rev.  J.  Bertram, 
l!ii>2  12;  presenl  pastor,  Rev.  II.  A.  Laufer,  came  in  L912  and  is  doing 
excellenl  work  in  both  the  church  and  school. 

As  to  the  places  in  which  tins  congregation  bas  worshiped  it  may 
be  -tatcd  that  for  almut  the  first  nine  years  services  were  held  in  the 
lecture  room  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  Woodstock.  Later 
the  congregation  purchased  a  vacant  church,  a  frame  building,  on  the 
corner  of  Calhoun  and  Jefferson  streets  for  $1,700,  which  in  later  years 
was  destroyed  by  fire.     In  1898  a  brick  veneered  church  was  built   for 

l  00,  which  today  is  valued  a1  $9,000  with  all  improvements  made  since 
it  was  first  in  use.  A  parsonage  and  barn  erected  on  the  three  lots  pur- 
chased in  June.  I!)ii7.  are  valued  at  $4,000. 

Zion's  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  was  formed  in  1876  at  West 
.Mellenry.  under  the  direction  of  Rev.  II.  G.  Schmidt,  and  in  1884  it 
had  a  membership  of  twenty-five.  At  presenl  it  has  about  twenty-one 
voting  members  and  seventy-six  communicant  members.  The  Sunday 
school  is  conducted  bj  Rev.  II.  A.  Laufer. 

The  various  pastors  who  have  served  this  congregation  are:  Revs. 
Carl  Schmidt,  M.  Heyer  and  Carl  Schneider,  up  to  L894.     Since  1894  the 

pastors  have  l n :    Revs.    II.    Engelbrecht,   1894-96;    II.    Dannenfeldt, 

1897-1902;   J.    I'-ertrain,    1902-12.   and    II.    A.    Laufer,    who   eommen 
Ins  Labors  here  in    1912. 

At  first  this  congregation  held  services  in  the  Baptisl  church,  later 


BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


11.". 


in  the  Methodisl  Episcopal  church.  In  189]  the  congregation  built  ;i 
frame  church  costing  ill i  $S00.     It  is  valued  a1  aboul  $3,000. 

St.  John  's  Bvangj  li<  w.  Li  theran  Church  a1  the  village  of  Algon 
quin,  this  county,  was  formed  March  11.  1876,  and  its  firsl  pastor  was 
Rev.  .1.  II.  C.  sir, ■-,■  of  Dundee,  who  preached  in  various  schoolhouses 
easl  of  Algonquin.  The  seventeen  original  mi  mbers  of  this  congregation 
were  as  follows:  Fred  Richards,  Fred  Duensing,  Sr.,  Christian  Patsche, 
William  Wodrich,  John  Colbow,  Christian  Duehn,  Carl  Buerkle,  Benry 
Rogm'an,  Benrj  AJbrecht,  Benrj  Benk,  Christian  Pinnow,  John  Zorn, 
Carl  Schoening,  J.  Wienke,  Pred  Ahrens,  Pred  Pruess,  Car]  Gehr. 

Shortly  after  organizing  a   congregation   the   members  decided   to 

build  a  church,  which  was  32  bj  50  feel  in  size,  besides  a  vestry  r a  16 

by  24  feet.    Thai  was  also  used  as  a  parochial  schoolroom. 

Rev.  Benry  Fuss  was  the  firsl  ordained  minister,  bul  he  remained 
only  cmc  year.  Rev.  Ludwig  von  Schenk,  who  broughl  uew  life  to  the 
church,  faithfully  served  for  three  j  ears  and  was  then  called  to  Rockford, 
III.  Walter  von  Schenk  was  next  called,  and  be  proved  an  able  minister 
and  teacher.  Be  was  installed  dune  13,  1882.  All  debts  of  the  church 
were  paid  during  his  pastorate,  also  a  fine  bell  was  placed  in  the  church 
tower.  On  December  6,  1891,  Rev.  Schenk  received  a  call  Prom  a  congre 
gation  in  St.  Paul  and  accepted,  Rev.  J.  Steffen  was  called  to  Algonquin 
in  1892.  Be  was  an  able  man.  but  much  of  the  time  be  was  an  invalid 
and  died  after  he  arrived  at  Algonquin  in  about  one  year.  It  was  during 
his  illness  thai  the  parsonage  was  destroyed  by  fire  and  the  congregation 

ini, liately  erected  another.    The  next  pastor  was  Rev.  Paul  von  Tome. 

who  remained  until  July,  1900,  when  be  resigned.     Nexl  came  Rev.  II 
Moldenhaver  from  Banson  Park,  who  was  installed  September  30,  1900. 
Be  it  was  who  wisely  saw  the  need  of  keeping  the  children  in  the  church 
and  iit  once  gathered  them  into  his  school. 

The  old  schoolroom  being  too  small  th igregation  soon  provided 

a  new  and  better  building  in  which  to  hold  the  school.  In  1902  he  had 
seventy-six  pupils.  The  pastor  was  unable  to  teach  and  attend  to  the 
parish  as  minister,  hence  a  teacher  was  employed  in  the  autumn  of  1902. 
Ernsl  Milizer  of  Arlington  Beights,  was  called  for  thai  position  and 
served  well  until  he  met  with  accidental  death  by  drowning  in  Pox 
River,  April  8,  1!U7.  Various  instructors  have  been  employed  since 
;  hat  date. 

In  1914  the  congregation  decided  to  build  a  modern  church  building. 
Tic  committee  finally  awarded  a  contract  for  the  building  to  Henry 
Markhoff,  of  Elgin.     The  church  is  valued  at  *2."),OO0.     The  present  con 


Hi;  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNT"? 

gregation   is  made  up  of  ion  members.     The  presenl   pastor  is  Henry 
Moldenhauer. 

Zion  Lutheran  Churcb  was  organized  at  Marengo,  April  'J.').  1880, 
L\  Rev.  J.  E.  Baumgaertner,  with  the  Eollowing  charter  membership: 
Carl  Guse,  Karl  Krause,  William  Qehrke,  Ferdinand  Trebes,  Herman 
Trebes,  Gottfried  Treebles,  William  Treebes,  Carl  Zizkuhr,  Ernesl  Kam- 

holz,   William    Eickstadt,  Tl Schmidt,   William   Fiebranz,  Carl   Fei- 

bran  .  Fred   Luehring.     The  presenl  congregation  has  a  total  o 
820  souls,  with  340  communicants.     The  church  edifice  is  of  brick  and 
eosl  $19,000;  the  Erame  school  building  cosl  $3,200;  the  frame  parson 
is  valued  al  $1,800.    This  fine  property  is  all  located  on  Jackson  street. 
Ii  is  uow  valued  at  .$:J0,000. 

'I  lie  pastors  have  from  time  to  time  (in  the  order  given  been  as 
follows:   Revs.  -I.   B.   Baumgaertner,   L880-86;  -1.  Craemer,   1886-88;  <  >. 

I derlein.  lsss-iH  ;  I'.   Dooderlein,  L891  1904,  and  A.  C.  Staats,  who 

came  in  L905. 

Trinity  Evangelical  Lutheran  Chi  rch.  This  is  one  of  the  strong- 
est church  organizations  in  the  county.  Its  history  reaches  hark  to  1884, 
when  work  was  begun  by  Reverend  Schenk,  who  held  the  firsl  services 
in  a  rented  building  belonging  to  the  Presbyterian  denomination  at 
Harvard.  The  mission  was  really  established  in  February,  1884,  when 
Harvard  had  hut  aboul  1,700  population.  No1  until  May,  1889,  was  this 
congregation  fully  organized  into  a  church.  A  goodly  number  of  fami- 
lies «erc  immigrants  from  Germany,  these  numbering  certainly  as  many 
as  thirty  families  who  helped  forward  the  new  church  movemenl  at 
Harvard.  . 

The  firsl  baptismal  ceremony  was  performed  January  27.  1884,  the 
subjeel  being  the  daughter  of  Mr.  and  .Mrs.  Fred  Nolz. 

The  first  confirmation  was  on  April  20.  1884,  when  four  girls  were 
confirmed  at  one  time. 

The  first  communion  was  administered  Augusl  26,  1884,  when  twenty- 
seven  communed  at   the  Lord's  Supper. 

The  first  funeral  service  was  that  had  in  June,  1884.  The  first  wed- 
ding was  .March  31,  1884. 

The  first  regular  pastor  was  Rev.  F.  Caemmerer,  under  whose  admin- 
istration th. stitution  of  the  church  was  signed  by  thirty-nine  voting 

members  of  the  congregation. 

In  the  month  of  August,  L885,  an  attempt  was  made  to  start  building 
operations,  hut  nothing  materialized  along  this  line  until  April.  1892, 
when  the  present   frame  church  edifice  was  .reeled.     It  is  a  large  build- 


BISTORT?  OF   .\!rll  i:\KY   COl  XTY  117 

iiiir  with  a  spire  surmounting  it  which  is  fully  Kin  feel  high.  This  build- 
ing was  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  Almighty  God,  October,  1892.  It 
is  valued  al  $45,000. 

The  parsonage  is  also  a  frame  building  standing  on  the  same  grounds 
av  the  church,  the  premises  being  a  full  city  block  of  land  in  a  very 
sightly  pari  of  the  city  of  Harvard.    Its  streel  location  is  East  Diggins. 

The  various  pastors  who  have  faithfully  served  this  congregation 
have  been  in  the  order  bere  named  as  follows:  Rev,  P.  Caemmerer,  who 
served  until  -May  (>.  1899,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  E.  A.  Behrens, 
of  New  York;  he  continued  here  five  years  and  six  months.  Dnder  bis 
administration  the  influential  Ladies  Aid  Society,  with  about  150  mem- 
bers was  formed.  In  all,  this  societj  has  raised  $(>,">( it)  fur  church  im- 
provements and  for  deeds  of  charity  and  mercy.  The  third  pastor  was 
Rev.  Carl  <>.  Salzmann,  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  who  served  three  years  and 
-i  ven  months.  Dnder  him  was  built  the  addition  to  the  church  building, 
used  for  school  purposes.    Next  came  Rev.  E.  O.  Giesel,  of  Platteville, 

Wis.,    who    arrived    Trinity    Sunday,    11I0S.    and    served    faithfully    and 

well  until  called  by  death.  December  .">.  1912.  Dnder  his  guidance  was 
added  to  the  parsonage  more  room  and  other  needed  improvements, 
amounting  to  an  expense  of  about  $1,200,  including  the  splendid  base 
ment,  hot -water  heating  plant,  the  cement  sidewalks,  etc.  Be  it  was  who 
started  the  pipe  organ  fund  with  which  later  the  present  sweet-toned 
pipe  organ  was  purchased,  and  it  is  highly  prized  by  the  congregation 
and  well-trained  choir  of  about  twenty  voices.  Following  Rev.  E.  O. 
Giesel,  Rev.  E.  A.  Giesel,  his  son.  responded  to  a  call  from  this  con 
gregation  December  11,  1!H'J.  He  came  from  South  Haven,  Mich.  It 
was  he  who  lirst  introduced  the  English  language  in  church  services 
here  and  also  in  the  Sunday  school  work  and  Bible  classes.  Be  is  a 
strong  believer  in  the  use  of  the  English  language  by  all  American  citi- 
zen-, whether  native  or  foreign  horn. 

I'nder  this  energetic  pastor  there  was  organized  a  Luther  League  of 
100  members,  commencing  with  the  modest  number  of  only  twenty-four. 
This  noble  band  of  church  workers  has  been  busy  in  season  and  out, 
and  have  raised  and  paid  into  the  treasury  of  this  church  over  $1,589, 
which  has  aided  a  score  of  needed  improvements.  The  total  amount 
in  improvements  made  under  Reverend  Giesel  is  $7,000.  The  present 
pastor  is  John  M.  Schedler. 

The  "envelope  system"  of  making  collections  is  employed  and  was 
introduced  and  urged  upon  the  people  by  the  present  pastor.  The 
church   books  and   records   in   general   of  this  congregation   show   great 


118  BISTORY  OF  M<  BENRY  COUNTY 

pains  upon  the  pastor's  part,  whose  every  hour  is  filled  with  pre 
duties  as  he  circs  for  both  the  spiritual  and  material  interests  of  his 
large  and  constantly  increasing  congregation,  yel  he  seems  to  be  given 

time  and  strength,  thus  far,  to  keep  all  of  the  details  of  his  flock  in  g i 

record  Eorm,  and  has  indeed  an  exceptionally  clear  church  record. 

When  Rev.  Giesel  came  to  Harvard  he  found  a  church  ahoul  one- 
half  its  present  size.  There  is  a  membership  of  600.  The  church  held 
us  twenty-fifth  jubilee  anniversary  commemorating  the  dedication  of 

r  church  edifice  in  1917,  an  illustration  of  which  appears  in  this 
volume.  At  thai  great  gathering  Rev.  II.  K.  Doermann,  I).  I).,  of  St. 
Paul,  was  present  and  delivered  the  sermon.  Up  to  the  date  of  this 
jubilee  twenty-five  years  after  the  dedication,  there  had  been  officiated 
at  !.\  pastors  here  1,008  baptisms;  couples  married,  233;  persons  buried, 

278,   and    received    into   the  ehlireh.   7112   persons. 

St.  John's  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  is  located  at  the  vil- 
lage of  Union  and  was  organized  there  November  10,  1887,  with  charter 
members  as  follows:  Fred  Schneidewind,  Charles  Miller,  Benry  Young, 
Fred  Bloedorn,  August  Kunkle,  Fred  Martens,  Fred  Miller,  August 
Kamholz,  M.  Kolberg,  John  Bopp,  Charles  Pries,  Fred  Selchow,  Gust 
E.  Binz,  Charles  Hasten,  John  Tornow,  Alb  Gehrke,  F.  Pries,  Charles 
Winkelmann,  F.  Dahelke.  The  present  membership  is  about  103  families 
with  seventy-six  voting  members.     The  presenl   buildings  of  this  con 

gregation  are  the  veneered  brick  church,  built  in  1901,  valued  at  about 
$20,000,  a  parochial  school  built  in  1901.  and  a  parsonage  built  in 
1!)()S. 

The  pastors  who  have  had  charge  of  this  congregation  are:    Revs. 

Otto  D lerlein,  Paul  Dneder'oin,  (!eor<re  Lienhardt,  August  Lobitz  and 

the  present  pastor  Rev.  Benry  Traub,  who  came  to  this  church  May  1, 
1913. 

St.  Paul's  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  was  organized  at  Crys- 
tal Lake  in  is'tfi,  and  reorganized  in  1906.  It  was  organized  by  Rev. 
E.  Rahn,  reorganized  by  Rev.  II.  Wagner.  Under  the  reorganization 
the  members  were:  Fr.  Mackeben,  II.  Walther,  F.  Schulz,  II.  Dunker, 
E.  Schubbe,  K.  Tegtmeier,  Fr.  Kempfert,  William  Schwarz,  Fr.  Dreyer, 
Karl  Lange.  The  present  membership  includes  about  thirty  families 
and  600  souls.  The  Sunday  school  has  four  teachers  and  about  thirty 
children.    The  Ladies  Aid  Society  has  relatively  twenty-five  members. 

The  church  building  is  at  North  Crystal  Lake  and  is  a  cement 
structure  valued  at  $10,000.  The  following  have  been  pastors  in  the 
order  here  given:    Revs.   II.   Wagner,   William   Ereis,  II.  Wagner,  II. 


2j 


BISTORT  OF  McHENBY  COUNTY  119 

Tietke,  F.  Ernst,  Blum  J.  Beinrich,  and  P.  G.  Kuehnert,  the  presenl 

pastor. 

St.  Paul's  Lutheran  Church  a1   Barvard,  was  organized  by  Re\ 
R.   Reinke  aboul    L904,  and  now   lias  a   membership  of  relatively   107, 
with  sixty-six  communicants.  Carj   was  organized  by  Rev.  Kuehnerl  in 
1911,  ami  dow  lias  fori y-nine  members  and  twenty-four  communicants. 
Rev.  Kuehnerl  lias  charge  of  the  church  at  Barvard  as  well  as  at  Cary. 

Boli  Cross  Luthebah  Church.  The  Lutheran  Church  at  Cary 
Btation  was  organized  in  1910,  and  has  a  presenl  membership  of  thirty 
souls.    There  is  no  church  property.    Rev.  P.  <i.  Kuehnerl  is  the  pastor. 

(ikack  KvAMiMi.ic.M.  Litheram  Churcb  is  a  rather  recenl  religious 
organization  of  Woodstock.  The  church  building  they  now  own  and 
occupy  is  in!  far  t'rnin  the  Catholic  Church  in  the  northwestern  pari  of 
the  city.  It  was  built  bj  the  old  German  Presbyterians  who  disbanded 
a  few  years  since,     in  1919  a  large  addition  was  made  to  the  edifice  to 

ommodate  the  greatly  increasing  congregation.  The  church  is  valued 
at  $20,000.  There  is  a  membership  of  600  souls.  Rev.  Roger  C.  Kauf- 
man  is  the  present   pastor. 

METHODIST 

Tin.  First  Methodist  Episcopal  Churcb  of  Marengo  was  among 

the  tifst  pioneer  ehureli  organizations  in  this  county.  It  was  organized 
in  1837  by  Rev.  John  ('lark  and  Leander  S.  Walker.  It  was  during 
1837  that  the  conference  formed  the  Sycamore  circuit  which  embraced 
all  the  territory  from  Sycamore  north  to  the  Wisconsin  line,  running 
cast  as  far  as  the  Fox  River  and  west  to  the  Rock  River.  The  regular 
appointed  places  for  holding  services  were  Sycamore,  Rockford,  Belvi- 
dere.  Round  Prairie.  Garden  Prairie,  -Marengo,  Harmony,  Ridgefield 
and  McHenry,  besides  many  isolated  places  where  occasional  services 
were  held.  In  all  this  vast  region  there  was  not  a  single  church  house 
at  that  date,  private  homes  being  made  into  '•meeting  houses."  In 
the  autumn  of  1837,  Rev.  William  Gaddis  preached  his  firsl  sermon  at 
the  house  of  Dr.  Eli  Smith,  in  Riley  Township.  The  audience  did  not 
i  sceed  eight  persons  besides  the  doctor's  family.  Sometime  in  1838 
the  minister  in  charge  funned  a  class  at  .Marengo,  holding  meetings  in 
the  house  of  Calvin  Spencer.  Tin'  following  were  the  firsl  members  of 
the  [limner  society:  Eli  Smith,  elassdeader ;  Asenith  Smith.  Samuel  and 
Polly  Smith,  and  Eunice  Cobb.  A  few  days  later  the  names  of  0.  P. 
Rogers,  Mary   S.    Rogers  and   Chester  Williams  were  added   to  the  list. 


120  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNT? 

In  consequence  of  this  circnil  being  300  miles  in  circumference, 
requiring  nearly  one  year  for  a  pastor  to  make  the  round,  it  was  sub- 
divided. In  1838  Rev.  F.  s.  Walker  and  Nathaniel  Jewetl  were  senl 
to  the  Marengo  "appointment."  Al  the  firsl  quarterly  meeting  held 
at  Bound  Prairie,  the  following  stewards  were  elected:  We&lej  Dig- 
gins,  <>.  p.  Rogers.  Revs.  Walker  and  Jewetl  received  for  their  sit-. 
aboul  $100  a  year,  and  their  duties  were  to  preach  one  sermon  each 
weekday  and  three  <m  Sunday. 

In  the  never-to-be-forgotten  winter  of  1856-57,  one  <>f  the  mosl  re- 
markable revivals  of  religion  ever  known  in  this  county,  was  held  at 
Marengo.  It  commenced  in  the  fall  and  continued  till  spring  with  do 
decrease  in  interest.  People  came  from  far  and  oear,  and  the  result 
was   lint  people  were  soundly  converted.     It   was  in   1855  the  church 

ted  its  handsome  edifice,  the  same  being  dedicated  in  the  spring  by 
Rev.  John  Demster.  A  Sabbath  school  was  organized  in  1840  with  nine 
pupils,  bul  in  1885  the  school  had  over  100  pupils. 

The  present  beautiful  brick  edifice  was  built  in  1897  and  cosl 
$20,000,  while  the  parsonage  cosl  $3,500.  The  membership  is  »'J". 
Thi'  ministers  who  have  faithfully  discharged  their  duty  as  pastor  of 
the  church  at  Marengo  are  as  follows:  Revs.  William  Geddis,  Nathan 
Jewett,  D.  A.  Walker.  P.  Ferry.  X.  Smith.  William  Geddis,  Charles 
McClure,  B.   Brown,  A.   Hammond.   I).   Fellows,  -I.  X.   Hinman,  James 

McLane,  G.  W.  .Murphy.  .John   Hodges,   E.  Ransom,  E.  G.  W 1.  A. 

McWright,  A.  B.  Call.  William  Skelton,  J.  P.  Nanco,  1).  Cassady,  -I.  R. 
Goodrich.  P.  S.  Walker,  David  Peed.  A.  I'.  Mead,  B.  W.  Adam-.  Charles* 
Hartley,  George  Richardson,  X.  I).  Lanning,  Alonzo  Newton,  IP  J. 
Huston.  A.  Schoemaker.  J.  IP  Peever.  J.  M.  Clendenning,  W.  II 
Smith,  J.  C.  Bigelow,  s.  IP  Wells,  C.  W.  Thornton,  E.  J.  Rose,  P.  IP 
Gardner.  C.  A.  Bunker.  Wilmer  Jaygard,  X.  J.  Harknes,  E.  G.  Schutz, 
A.  L.  Fisher,  C.  J.  Bready.  William  Bwing,  K.  E.  Buckey.  W.  IP  Tope, 
ami  ('has.  J.  Dickey. 

Tin:  Richmond  Church  is  one  of  the  county's  oldest  religious  socie- 
ties, p  was  organized  November  3.  1838,  by  Rev.  L.  S.  Lewis,  who 
preached  two  years.  At  that  date  this  formed  a  part  id'  Crystal  Pake 
Circuit  which  comprised  about  thirty  preaching  appointments.  Among 
the  earlier  ministers  here  were  the  following:  Revs.  Walker.  Jewett. 
Nathaniel  White.  Dr.  Decker,  Whipple.  Amos  Wiley.  P.  S.  Walker. 
John  Rhodes,  B.  P.  Jacobs.  Calvin  Brookins,  Edwin  Brown,  J.  H. 
.Moore.  Thomas  Corwin,  P.  M.  Battis,  G.  S.  Wiley.  Nathan  Critchett, 
Samuel  Earngey,  P.  C.  Steere,  W.   F.   DeLap,  Grover  C.  Clark,  and 


BISTORT  OF  Mi  HENRY  COUNTY  121 

many  more  who  came  a1  ;i  later  date.  At  firsl  a  schoolhouse  was  used 
for  a  house  of  worship,  bul  in  L855  the  society  dedicated  its  own  church 
building  on  Main  street,  a  frame  edifice  seating  250  and  costing  aboul 
$2,500.  In  1880  the  total  membership  was  aboul  forty.  The  presenl 
membership  is  fifty-three.  The  Sundaj  school  attendance  is  aboul  112. 
The  church  property  erected  in  1902  is  valued  at  $10,500.  The  presenl 
pastor  is  P.  \V.  Polej . 

'I'm  McHenri  Chi  rch  is  also  numbered  among  the  pioi r  religious 

socii'tics  of  this  county.  It  was  organized  in  1840  and  its  first  members 
were  [ra  and  Mrs.  .Mary  Colby,  Darius  Reynolds  and  wife,  Alden  and 
.Mrs.  M.  Harvey,  Freeman  Harvey,  and  .Mrs.  Abigail  Harvey,  with  Free 
man  Harvey  as  class-leader.  The  county  seat  was  then  at  McHenry  and 
services  were  held  in  the  courthouse  once  in  four  weeks,  and  also  at 
times  in  private  homes.  The  circuil  then  consisted  of  seven  appoint- 
ments. In  1850  this  church,  in  connection  with  the  Free-Will  Bap 
tists.  1  > n ill  a  brick  church  and  used  it  alternately.  The  Methodists 
built  a  church  for  their  own  use  aboul  1870  and  a  parsonage  in  1S79. 
The  church  property  is  valued  a1  $7,300.  Rev.  Raymond  Sanger  is 
the  present  pastor. 

Tin:  Woodstock  Church.  Methodism  in  Woodstock  was  estab- 
lished in  1850  by  Reverend  Morehouse.  The  charter  members  were 
as  follows:  Mr.  Cotting  and  wife,  .Mrs.  ('.  Ramsey,  Mrs.  Dr.  Rose, 
Miss  .Mary  Sherwood,  George  Starr  and  wife,  Silas  Wilson  and  wife. 
William  Montgomery  and  wife.  The  first  officers  were:  George  Starr, 
elass-Ieadcr :  S.  ( ).  (iregory,  William  II.  Murphy,  Silas  Wilson,  -lames 
Murphy,  .John  Reider,  Andrew  Murphy,  Owen  Murphy  were  stewards; 
and  Charles  McClure  and  I.  II.  Fairchilds  were  local  preachers.  Serv- 
ices at  first  were  held  in  the  schoolhouse,  then  in  Excelsior  Hall,  and 
two  years  later  in  Phoenix  Hall.  The  church  was  organized  twelve  years 
before  a  church  edifice  was  owned.  In  1862  they  purchased  the  old  Bap- 
tist church  building  for  the  sum  of  $1,500.  For  many  years  this  build- 
ing served  as  a  place  of  worship,  but  finally  it  was  too  small  to  accom- 
modate the  increasing  congregation  and  the  presenl  frame  edifice  was 
erected  in  1N70  at  an  expense  of  $8.01111.  It  seats  about  401)  persons 
but  is  fast  going  to  decay  and  is  soon  to  be  replaced  by  a  larger  and 
more  modern  building  at  a  cost  of  $60,000. 

The  presenl  membership  is  :!.")().  Franklinville,  a  country  station  to 
the  West,  belongs  to  this  church. 

The  pastors  who  have  faithfully  served  this  church  are:  Revs.  More- 
house, Guyer,  E.  Drown,  Joseph  Hartwell,  Burlingame,  D.  W.  Lynn, 


122  BISTORT?  OP  McEENRY  COUNTY 

Lyon,  W.  A  Smith,  W.  A.  Cross,  Q.  S.  EufE,  M.  B.  Cleveland,  C. 
Brookins,  S.  T.  Show,  M.  II.  TriggB,  X.  I).  Panning,  E.  .M.  Boring,  I 
Eartman,  A.  Newton,  S.  Earngey,  John  Adams,  Geo.  K.  Eoover,  1884; 
M.  II.  Plumb,  1886;  Benry  Lea,  1888;  J.  J.  Walter,  1889;  Prank  Mc- 
Namra,  1891;  N.  A.  Sunderland,  1895;  Thomas  A  Q.  Cox,  1904;  J.  W. 
Ha, -klin-.  1906;  T.  K.  Greene,  1909;  Charles  D.  Wilson,  1913;  J.  A. 
Matlack,  1917,  and  P.  A.  Graham,  1918,  the  present  pastor. 

Tin  Greenwood  Churcb  was  organized  .it  the  village  of  Green 
wood  in  1850,  bul  Lapsed  in  1875  and  was  reorganized  in  1884,  the  last 
organization  being  made  l>y  (.'.  \V.  Jayeox,  with  charter  members  as 
follows:  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Parker,  Alphonso  Newman,  Mr,  and  Mrs. 
Owen  Murphy,  .Mr.  and  Mrs.  Andrew  Murphy,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stewart. 
The  presenl  membership  is  about  ninety.  This  church  was  one  of  the 
nine  appointments  comprising  the  old  McEenry  Circuil  which  included 
in  1852,  Eighland  Prairie,  North  Bebron,  Richmond,  Ringwood,  Green- 
wood, Easl  Greenwood,  Queen  Ann.  English  Prairie  and  McEenry. 

The  firsl  church  used  by  this  congregation  was  the  old  Presbyterian 
building.  This  was  torn  down  and  a  new  church  provided  in  1909.  A 
frame  parsonage  was  buill  in  1904.  The  church  is  valued  at  $8,500 
ami  the  parsonage  at  $2,500. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  pastors  who  have  served  at  Greenwood: 
Revs.  Leander  S.  Walker,  Rev.  Shepherd,  Christopher  Lazenby,  T.  R. 
Satterfield,  Rev.  Stewart,  1863;  Rev.  Bundoe,  M.  II.  Triggs,  Rev.  Wil- 
son, 1866;  S.  II.  Adams.  1  s ( 1 7  ;  L.  K.  Davis,  1869;  Rev.  Brookins,  1871; 
Byron  Alden,  1872-75  (no  pastor  for  some  time  ;  Rev.  Adams.  l,sso; 
Rev.    Elkins,  1881;   William   Nickle,    1881-1884;   C.    W.   Jaycox,    1884; 

Rev.  William  Nickle,  1887;  Berberl  J.  Cocknell,  1897;  Eomer  I 1898; 

William  Nickle,  1899;  Charles  E.  Coon,  1901;  W.  II.  Whitlock,  1903; 
Charles  E.  Butterfield,  1904;  Warren  Jones,  1906;  J.  E.  UeLoiig,  1906; 
C.  J.  Bready,  1908;  II.  J.  Collins,  1910;  Seth  Baker,  1913;  Harry  Cul- 
bertson,  1917;  and  C.  J.  Hewitt. 

Tm,  Rinqwood  Church  was  organized  in  the  village  of  Ringwood 
in  1855  as  a  Union  church,  made  up  of  Methodist  and  Congregational 
church  people.  Iii  lS(iS  i  he  ( 'oiifrrc^at ionalists  withdrew.  The  charter 
members  of  this  church  were  as  follows:  Mr.  and  -Mrs.  Samuel  Simmons, 
Mr.  and  .Mrs.  William  Mead,  Jane  Vasey,  John  Vasey,  Richard  Vasey, 
William  Vasey,  Prank  Vasey,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Carr,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 

Matthews  Carr.  William   Porth,  William  M ly  and  wife.     The  present 

membership  is  fiftj  one.  The  presenl  value  of  church  property  is  $5,000. 
Pasters  w  ho  have  served  here  are  as  follows :  Revs.  Nathan  Jewett,  <  Ihris- 


BISTOEY  OF  McHENEY  COUNTY  123 

topher  Lazenby,  Matthew  Triggs,  T.  R.  Satterfield,  [lev.  Bundock,  Simon 
Bewes,  Simon  Lock,  Andrew  Adrian,  Wycoff,  William  Clark,  W.  P.  .). 
•Ionian.  Cormack,  Beal,  C.  J.  Bready,  II.  J.  Collins,  Seth  Baker,  Barry 
Culbertson,  Barrison,  and  l>.  II.  Eloss,  tin-  present  pastor. 

'I'm:  Alma  ('in  kcii.  Methodism  began  in  tins  pari  of  McHenry 
County  verj  earlj — in  the  '"thirties"  anil  the  work  in  the  section  now 
known  as  Alden  belonged  wiili  a  very  extensive  circuit  ami  so  con- 
tinued until  about  1856,  when  it  was  detached  from  the  old  field  ami 
since  that  date  the  pastors  who  have  served  are  as  follows:  Five  or  sis 
whose  names  do  qoI  appear  of  record,  bul  after  that  they  appear  in 
the  pastor's  record  to  l"1:  Revs.  -I.  .\l.  Clendenning,  Robert  Beatty,  Wil- 
liam Adron,  J.  C.  Bigelow,  1883-85;  B.  0.  Burch,  1887;  T.  R.  Satter- 

l,  1887-8-90;  C.  II.  Hoffman.  1890-93;  J.  1'.  Davies,  1893-95;  X.  M. 
Stokes,  1895-98;  John  Adams,  1898-02;  E.  II.  Beal,  1892;  Geo.  K.  Geof 
fivy.  1904;  John  E.  Robison,  1908  10;  Floyd  L.  Blewfield,  1910;  W.  M. 

Eauffman,  1911  ;  G -ge  Wilson,  1913-14;  S.  R.  Smith.  1914,  who  served 

until  the  station  was  placed  in  with  that  at  Bebron  (see  Bebron  church 
for  other  history  .  This  society  1ms  now  a  membership  of  aboul  fifty, 
and  a  Sunday  school  enrollment  of  aliout   eighty. 

'I'm:  Bebron  Church  was  organized  not  far  from  1857,  when  Rev, 
Calvin  Brookins  became  pastor  in  charge.  There  is  no  record  of  this 
church  for  many  years.  It  now  has  a  membership  of  about  170,  with  a 
Sunday  school  enrollment  of  about  ninety;  the  superintendent  is  .Miss 
Anna  Douglas.    <>n  this  same  circuil  is  Alden  village,  above  mentioned. 

The   church   at    Bebron    is  a   small    frame   Structure   erected    in    1861    and 

dedicated  in  September,  1862,  by  Elder  Jewett.    On  October  29,  1896, 

was  dedicated  the  present  comfortable  parsonage  which  had  been  SO 
generously  donated  by  Benry  W.  Mead. 

Until  1891)  Bebron  was  with  Richmond  on  one  circuit,  when  Rev. 
William  B.  Tuttle  was  appointed  to  the  Richmond-Hebron  charge  and 

the  following  have  served  as  pastors  at  this  point:  Revs.  W.  II.  Tuttle. 
four  years;  J.  B.  Robinson,  who  came  in  1900  and  remained  till  1901: 
William  Ashlield.  1901;  G.  T.  Nesmith,  19i>'2-06;  C.  S.  Clay.  1906-08; 
A.  T.  Stevenson.  1908-10;  X.  1'.  Tedrick,  1910-14;  Bnos  Holt.  1911  17: 
W.  II.  Locke,  who  came  in  1917,  and  W.   E.  Royston. 

Tin:  BABVABD  CHURCH.  During  the  winter  id'  1857-58,  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  at  Harvard  was  organized  with  five  charter  members. 
In  I860  they  erected  their  first  church,  the  first  church  edifice  to  be 
erected   at    Harvard.      The   hoard   of  stewards   were:   William    II.    Culler. 

E.  J.  Sanford,  L.  B.  Wyant,  and  I..  M.  Stephenson.    Among  the  pastors 


124  BISTORT  OF  Mi  IIKXKY  COUNTY 

who  have  served  here  are  the  following:    Revs.  \V.  II.  Reynolds,  I860; 

J.  II.  M v.  s.  K.  Detaining,  1863;  C.  R.  Ford,  1865-67;  G.  L.  Wiley, 

L.  Anderson,  1868-70;  I..  Bawkins,  L870-71;  Samnel  Coats,  R.  II.  Wil- 
kinson, Win.  ('lark.  John  Bichock,  Moses  G.  Sheldon,  L875;  C.  R.  Cry- 
der,  J.  W.  Scott,  1878-81;  Samuel  Swartz,  John  II.  Reeves,  A  s.  Max 
ham,  Grover  C.  Clark,  W.  C.  Boward,  X.  A.  Sunderlin,  E.  I).  Hull. 
T.  R.  Strowbridge,  E.  K.  D.  Bester,  -I.  A.  Matlack,  E.  I  Lumsden, 
C.   S.    M ''',  James    Potter,   and   C.    II.    Xcwham. 

The  church  has  a  membership  of  aboul  425,  with  a  Sunday  school 
enrollment  of  about  225.  The  presenl  brick  church  edifice  nn>  con- 
structed ii"i  manj  years  ago  at  an  expense  of  $30,000. 

Tim    Free  Methodist  Church   was  established   in   1860  at    North 

Crystal  Lake  and  istheoldesl  in  t In unty.  The  early  records  are  nol  in 

existence.  The  congregation  buill  a  frame  church  at  old  Crystal  Lake. 
also  a  parsonage.  In  1898  the  church  was  removed  u>  North  Crystal 
Lake  ami  remodeled.  A  new  frame  parsonage  was  erected  at  a  cost 
of  $2,000.  This  branch,  like  others  in  the  county,  has  virtually  failed 
to  maintain  itself.  Its  present  membership  in  regular  standing  is  only 
five,  of  the  pastors  who  have  served  this  church  these  are  recalled: 
Revs.  ('.  B.  Bbey,  F.  1>.  Brooke,  -I.  D.  Kelsey,  C.  S.  Spaulding,  I'.  W. 
Newcomer,  John  Harvey.  .1.  F.  Bill.  II.  Lenz,  W.  ('.  .MeXeil,  .1.  G.  Rock- 
enbach,  -I.  II.  Polly,  .1.  W.  Hill,  A.  L.  Wright,  W.  (i.  Bamner,  .1.  (i. 
Rockenbach,  W.  M.  Kelsey.  II.  W.  Hills  ami  .1.  E.  Parry. 

Tin:  Crystal  Lake  Churcb  was  organized  as  early  as  1861.  pos- 
sibly earlier,  the  records  are  not  clear  as  to  the  very  early  events  of 
this  society.  It  is  shown,  however,  that  S.  II.  Hamilton,  E.  Owen  and 
W.  A.  Smith  are  named  as  among  the  officers.  The  minister  in  charge 
was  Rev.  ('.  Lazenby,  with  Presiding  Elder  -I.  W.  Agard.  The  presenl 
membership  is  200.  The  presenl  value  of  the  church  with  lot  is  $18,000, 
recent  improvements  having  been  made  in  it.  The  parsonage  is  valued  at 
$8,000. 

The  list  of  pastors  who  have  served  at  Crystal  Lake  are:  Revs.  c. 
Lazenbey,  C.  Hamilton,  A.  <!.  Burlingame,  W.  S.  Barrington,  W.  J. 
Rider,  I.  I'..  Bansey,  S.  T.  Shaw,  R.  II.  Wilkinson.  S.  Bemes,  B.  Brown, 

.1.  s.  Xorris.  A.  .1.  Scott,  L.  Clifford,   E.   M.   Boring,  S.   He 8,  G.  L. 

Wilsy,  <>.  E.  Lurch.  .1.  II.  Bacon,  -I.  T.  Huhert.  .1.  M.  Conlee,  <  >.  II. 
Cessna,  G.  II.  Wells,  W.  II.  Pierce,  J.  R.  Hamilton.  M.  II.  Plumb,  A.  H. 
Kistler.  W.  II.  Locke,  W.  11.  Smith.  W.  B.  Doble,  II.  -I.  Cockerill,  R. 
II.  Late.  T.  A  Brewster,  W.  E.  Cras,-.  H.  P.  Larnes.  and  Manley  J. 
Mumford,  the  presenl  pastor. 


BISTORT  OF  .\1.  IIKXWY  COUNTY  125 

Tin  Kki  i  Methodist  Chi  rch  al  Algonquin  was  organized  as  a  local 
branch  of  the  "Free  Methodisi  Church  of  North  America,"  bj  Rev.  I>.  P. 
Baker  in  1N7I  Among  the  Brsl  members  here  were:  R.  B,  McKee,  Em- 
meline  McKee,  William  Head,  Mr.  Dunn,  olive  Dunn,  William  William--. 
Ann  Williams.  Henry  Chandler,  Mrs.  Chandler,  and  Sarah  Hubbard. 
The  church  a1  one  time  flourished  in  ihis  community,  bu1  of  late  aol  so 
much  ami  there  are  now  bul  two  members  lefl  of  ihis  organization.  A 
frame  church  was  erected  in  ls77  costing  $1,400,  ami  a  parsonage  was 
built  in  1884  costing  about  $1,500. 

Pastors  who  faithfully  served  this  church  were:  Revs.  D.  I'.  Baker, 
.M.  !>.  Vorheis,  C.  1'.  Miller,  W.  W.  Kelley,  ('.  W.  Prink,  !•".  A.  .Miller, 
I'  A.  Haley.  ('.  II.  Rawson,  W.  1'.  Ferris,  David  Seymour,  1*.  W.  New- 
comer, Daniel  Sinclair,  Julius  Buss,  William  Wilson,  II.  W.  Pish,  1'.  C. 
Burhars,  John  Spencer,  s.  c.  Spaulding,  R.  I-'.  Brouthers,  J.  -I.  Hales. 
p.  Al.  Pish,  -1.  II.  Wortendyke,  Peter  Zeller,  E.  G.  Cryer,  0.  V.  Ketels, 
P.  .M.  ('ami. hell,  I).  M.  Smashey,  !>.  W.  Pinch,  -I.  W.  Hill,  1'.  W.  New 
eomer,  »'.  W.  Scalf,  John  Klein.  T.  B.  Webb,  P.  II.  Stiefkin,  II.  W.  Hills 
ami  John  E.  Parry. 

Tut:  Cart.  Station  Pbee  Methodist  Church  was  organized  at  the 
same  time  as  the  one  al  Crystal  Hake  in  1874,  by  Rev.  I).  1*.  Baker,  with 
charter  members  as  follows:   M.  S.  W.  West  and  wife.  D.  D.  and  Mariah 

Harback,    Abraham   n Iwin,   Margarel    Goodwin,   A.    L.   Weaver  ami 

Edwin  Crabtree 

This  church   membership  has  been   decreased   by   death  and   removals 

until  today  only  live  members  are  reported.  A  church  was  erected  in 
1877  costing  $1,200.  At  present  there  is  a  Sunday  school  which  has  an 
enrollment  of  about  thirty-one  pupils. 

As  a  general  rule  the  same  pastor  who  has  had  charge  at  Algonquin 

has  alSO  attended   to   the  affairs  of   the   Cary   elmreh,   henee   it    is   needless 

to  give  the  names  of  pasi,,rs  in  this  connection. 

Tut:  c.\kv  Church  was  organized  about  I^ns.  with  charter  members 
as  follows:     .Mrs.  George  Siebert,  .Mr.  and  .Mrs.  Wallace  Burton,  .Miss 

Edith   Crabtree,  and  a    few  others  whose  names  are  not   now  recalled  by 
church  officers.     It  is  not  a  strong  church,  for  today  it  only  numbers  sev 
enteen  souls.    The  church  edifice  was  erected  in  1875  for  school  purposes 
but  since  1889  has  been  used  for  religious  worship.    The  church  proper 
including  the  comfortable  parsonage  is  valued  at  $5,750. 

The  pastors  who  have  served  here  include  the  following:  Ixevs.  I.  \. 
Goodell,  L.  A.  Johnson.  William  Nickle,  Charles  Went  worth,  P.  J.  Milnes, 


126  BISTORT  OF  M<  BENRY  COUNTY 

I  P.  Greaser,  i:  S.  Holm.  Greaser,  G.  II.  Tyler,  W.  A.  Cross,  I  .  I '.  Bang, 
C.  B.  Spaulding,  J.  G.  \  ance,  E.  E.  Veri R,  li.  Pemell,  L.  <;.  Daws 

II  P.  Barnes,  and  Dean  Swift,  the  presenl  pastor. 

PRESBYTERIAN 

The  Bebron  Church  was  formed  September  14.  1M4  in  a  school- 
house  near  the  home  of  David   Prime,  and   Rei     I..   Ball  was  ehi 

moderator.     Tl riginal  members  were  as  follows:    John  A.  Ehle  and 

wife  and  three  daughters,  Ann  Van  Alstine,  Alfred  II.  Earling,  John 
and  Lydia  Adams,  John  Sawyer  and  wife,  Daniel,  .Maria,  Jane  and 
Elisha  Cornue,  William  F.  and  olive  Peake,  Charolette  Streator, 
Catherine  Weaver,  .lane  Meyers,  David  Prime  and  wife,  David  Shaw, 
and  Adam  Phillips.  A  substantial  church  was  erected  in  1868,  in  the 
village  nf  Bebron,  and  in  1882  the  parsonage  was  built.  This  was 
replaced  in  1909  by  the  presenl  edifice,  valued  at  $1,500.  The  presenl 
membership  is  110.    The  presenl  pastor  is  Rev.  F.  B.  McDowell. 

Woodstcx  k  Church  was  organized  in  1846  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Plumstead, 
with  the  following  members :  M.  B.  Given,  Elizabeth  Given,  Allen  Dufield, 
Jesse  Sloan,  Anna  Slavin,  Margarel  J.  S'avin,  Naomi  C.  Slavin,  Charles 
Dufield,  Andrew  Scott,  .lames  Sn.it,  Sarah  Scott,  Caleb  Williams,  Cor 
delia  Williams,  John  Givins,  J.  S.  Glvenk,  Thomas  Lindsay,  Marj  A 
Lindsay,  William  Gilbert,  Catherine  Gilbert,  William  D.  Given,  and 
Rachel  Given. 

This  church  was  the  outgrowth  of  the  church  at  Ridgefield,  then 
called  the  Virginia  Settlement.  Rev.  ii.  K.  Todd  commenced  to  preach 
at  Woodstock  for  the  new  church  in  1847,  continuing  until  1865.  Be 
was  followed  by  Rev.  Blood  as  above  noted. 

The  following  pastors  have  served  this  church:  Revs.  R.  K.  Todd. 
Blood,  John  Thomas,  Kirkwood,  E.  J.  Fisher.  John  I>.  McCain,  S.  C. 
Bay,  who  came  as  pastor  in  1883.  Revs.  Beck,  Peck,  McDermott  and 
R.  B.  Guthrie. 

At  first  services  were  hold  in  tl Id  court-house  for  a  year  previous 

to  building  which  was  ace plished   in   ls!>.  This  was  a  small  fn 

structure  capable  of  seating  two  hundred.  .Most  of  the  material  was 
donated.  The  present  church  building  was  erected  in  lsx_  at  an  ex- 
pense of  $4,500.  It  is  situated  on  the  corner  of  Calhoun  and  Tryon 
streets.  This  is  a  frame  building  accommodating  about  350  poison-.  A 
manse  was  built   the  same  year  as  the  church.     The  church   property 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  L27 

including  the  pipe  organ  and  manse,  is  valued  at  $15,000.  Rev.  K.  15. 
Guthrie  ol'  Arkansas,  a  former  supply,  is  the  present  pastor. 

Tin   Marengo  Church  was  formed  in  1850  by  Rev.  George  K.  Good- 

' i iii*'.    The  societj  is  in  a  flourishing  c lition,  has  a  good  church  edifice 

ami  parsonag 

The  Greenwood  Chubcb  was  formed  in  1850,  with  I  A.  Hal]  as 
tiist  pastor. 

The  Harvard  Churcb  was  organized  in  1868,  with  .Messrs.  II.  C. 
Blackman,  Lewis  Beaner,  and  C.  Brown  as  trustees.  Rev.  Thomas  C. 
Easton  being  first  pastor.  Soon  the  Presbyterians  united  with  the  Con 
gregationalists,  the  two  societies  using  the  hitter's  building.  In  1880,  the 
two  denominations  separated.  During  the  winter  of  18U8-9,  the  Pres- 
byterians erected  a  building  of  their  own  a1  a  cosl  of  $3,000.  This  was 
replaced  in  1912  with  the  present  church  which  is  valued  at  $20,000.    The 

present  mbership  is  '■'<:','■',  souls,  and  the  pastor  in  charge  is  Rev.  Owen 

W.  Pratt. 

The  Germ  \.\  Presbyter]  \.\  <  'in  bch.  There  is  uo  such  denomination 
in  Germany,  but  in  some  of  the  localities  in  this  country  where  Germans 
settled  whose  belief  was  nearer  the  religious  faith  of  the  Presbyterians 
than  any  other  denomination,  hence  they  organized  what  was  termed  the 
"German  Presbyterian  Church."  One  such  society  was  organized  firs! 
in  Greenwood  Town-hip,  on  Queen  Ann  Prairie,  .May  1,  1853,  by  Rev. 
Weitzel.  The  society  has  long  since  been  abandoned  and  many  of  its 
members  took  their  letter-  and  united  with  the  Presbyterian  church  of 
Woodstock.  As  the  charter  members  will  bring  up  by  association  many 
old  time  names  among  the  devoul  German  families,  the  list  of  the  firs! 
members  of  this  church  will  be  given.  With  the  exception  of  two  or 
three  Swiss  families,  including  the  Renics',  these  members  were  all 
Germans:     Peter   Weidrich,   George    Herdklotz,    Peter  Sonnedruecker, 

.Michael     Herdklotz,     Henry     Ilarinann.     Henry     Sonnedruecker,     Jacob 

Senger,   Peter  Frey,  Sr.,   Henry  Sonnedueeker,  ()eorge  s ledrueeker, 

Peter  Prey,  Jr.,  Peter  Herdklotz,  Henry  Dietrich,  christian   Mueller, 

Henry  Sdmider,  Henry  Schmidt.  Jr.,  George  Weidrich.  Michael  Schmidt, 
Henry  Herdklotz,  Mike  Frey,  Peter  Senger,  Henry  Harmann,  Jr.,  Fred 
Bertchey,  Jacob  Werner,  Fred  St  off  ell.  Louisa  Mueller.  Margaretta 
Weidrich.     Saloma     Herdklotz,     Eva     Harmann,     Catherine     Herdklota, 


L28  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Magdelena  Schmidt,  Barbara  Prey,  Margaretta  Senger,  Charlotta  Sonde 
drueeker,    Eve    Eekerd,    Barbara    Berdklotz,    Magdelana    Schaaf,    Mar- 
garetta Barmann,  Benrietta  Bugler,  Louisa  Mueller,  M.  Dietrich,  Bar- 
bara Weidrich,  Magdelena  Bertchey,  Barbar  Dcllenbach  and  Eve  Knhn. 
In  1856  these  people  secured  a  church  in  which  to  worship  and  it  served 
the  congregation  many  yens,     h  was  purchased  by  the  American  P 
byterians  in  Woodstock,  taken  aparl  and  hauled  to  Queen  Ann  Prairie, 
ami  there  buill  into  a  church  edifice.     In  1878  the  Dame  of  the  church 
was  changed  to  Queen  Ann  Church  of  Woodstock.    Services  were  held 
there  until    1881,  when  they   buill   a   bouse  of  worship  on   Chemung 
street,  Woodstock.    This  was  a  frame  structure  and  seated  250  pers 
It  stood  "ii  the  presenl  site  of  i  trace  Evangelical  church,  near  the  <  Oliver 
Typewriter  shops. 

This  congregation  bung  together  as  a  church  1  >« >«  1  \  as  long  as  possible, 
Init  times  changed  and  finalh  the  property  was  sold  and  the  members 
went  elsewhere.  Among  the  long  to  be  remembered  pastors  were  Rev. 
Weitzel,  Selmell.  Phillip  Host-i-  and  .laeoh  Kalb.  As  late  as  1885  the 
church  was  in  a  prosperous  condition  and  bad  sixty-six  members. 

UNIVERSALIST 

In  earlier  times  the  CJniversalisI  society  had  numerous  organizations 
in   McHenry  County,  lml   none  are  active  today.     Harvard.  Marengo, 

W Istoek  and   other  places   were  the  homes  of   Universalis!    societies 

which  no  longer  are  in  existence. 

A  society  was  formed  al  Marengo  in  1864,  with  forty  members,  but 
before  lssi>  the\  had  dwindled  down  to  not  over  a  half  dozen.  At  one 
time  they  supported  regular  pastors,  bul   only  for  a   few  years. 

A  church  of  this  faith  was  established  at  Woodstock  in  1855  by  Rev. 
Livermore,  who  for  many  years  edited  the  Nt  w  Cow  nant  in  <  Ihicago.  At 
the  time  of  organization  there  was  a  membership  of  twenty-seven.     In 

lss.">  they  estimated  their  property  to  he  worth  $L\ .">()().  For  many  years 
this  chureh  has  not  existed.  .Many  of  the  NVu  Englanders  who  came  in 
and  settled  in  this  eonnty  were  of  this  religious  faith. 

A  CJniversalisI  society  was  formed  at  McHenry,  in  January.  1853, 
with  Rev.  .lames  R.  .Mack  as  the  first  pastor.  A  building  was  erected  in 
1854.  The  tirst  members  included  these:  R  Bishop  and  wife,  l>.  Brown 
and  wife,  Francis  Harrison  and  wife,  C.  B.  Curtis  and  wife,  Christopher 
Seeber  and  wife,  George  Gage  and  A.  II.  Nanly. 


CHAPTER  IX 
COURTS,  BENCH   AND  BAR 
l'.\  Judge  Charles  P.  Barnes 

,  He  i  rr  COURT-  FIRST  GRAND  JURY — CIRCUIT  JUDGES  COUNTS  COMMIS- 
SIONERS COl  NTY  JUDGES — BARI/X  ATTORNEYS — STATE'S  ATTORNEYS — 
PRESEN1  ATTORNEYS  MCHENRY  COUNTY  BAR  ASSOCIATION — IN  MEMO- 
EtlAM. 

CIRC1  IT    COURT 

Under  date  of  .May  10,  1838,  pleas  were  heard  before  Judge  Pear- 
son, judge  of  the  Seventh  Judicial  District,  in  and  for  the  County  of 
Mc 'Henry,  presiding  ai  a  courl  held  at  McHenry,  in  McHenry  County, 
those  present  being  Judge  John  Pearson,  Alonzo  Euntington,  state's 
attorney,  and  Henry  B.  Steele,  sheriff  of  McHenry  County. 

The  men  composing  the  first  grand  jury  of  the  circuil  courl  Eor  this 
county  were  as  follows:  Andrew  S.  Wells.  .lames  II.  Lloyd,  Charles  II. 
Bartlett,  Jeremiah  Porter,  Willard  Jones,  Thomas  McClure,  Daniel 
Winters.  Richard  Steele,  Samuel  L.  Wood.  Alden  Harvey.  Christy  G. 
Wheeler,  Luke  Hale.  Amos  Desmond.  Moody  B.  Bailey,  Aaron  Randall. 
Christopher  Walkup,  William  E.  Keyes,  John  McCollom,  and  from  their 
number  Charles  II.  Bartletl  was  chosen  foreman.  Of  the  nineteen  eases 
brought  before  this  court  the  firsl  day.  three  were  for  trespass,  and  one 

for  slander.      On   the   second   day   the  grand  jury   returned   three    indict 

ments  for  Larceny  and  one  for  assaulting  an  officer  in  the  discharge 
of  his  duty. 

CIRCUIT    .l!T>UES 

The  following  is  a  list   of  the  circuit   judges  who  have  served   Mc- 
I [enry  County  since  its  organization  :    John  Pearson,  1837-41  ;  Theopilus 
W.  Smith.  1841   13;  Richard  M.  Foung,  1843-47;  Jesse  B.  Thomas.  1847 
1-:   Eugh   Benderson,   1848-51;   [ssac  G.   Williams.   1851-61;   Allen  C. 

129 


130  HISTORY  OF  .M«  HENRY  COUNTY 

Puller,  1861-62;  T.  D.  Murphy,  1862-78;  Clark  W.  Upton,  1878-82; 
Charles  Kellum,  1882;  C.  E.  Puller,  1897;  Charles  II.  Donnelly,  1897; 
A.  II.  Frosl  (deceased  .  1903;  Roberi  W.  Wright,  1903;  Charles  Whit- 
ney, 1911;  Claire  C.  Edwards  (to  fill  vacancj  ;  Robert  K.  Welch; 
E    D.  Shurtleff,  1920. 

JURISDICTION   OK    COl 

Justices  of  the  peace  have  jurisdiction  in  all  civil  cases  where  the 

damages  soughl  do  no1  ex id  $300.     They  also  have    jurisdiction  in 

all  cases  Eor  violation  of  the  ordinances  of  cities,  towns  and  \ ill;i_r'~-. 

County  courts  have  jurisdiction  in  all  matters  of  probate,  settlement 
of  estates  of  deceased  persons;  also  in  proceedings  of  executors,  ad- 
ministrators, guardians  Eor  the  Bale  of  real  estate.  In  law  cases  they 
have  concurrenl  jurisdiction  with  circuil  mints  and  in  all  criminal 
offenses  where  the  punishment  is  not  imprisonment  in  the  penitentiary 
or  death,  but  oo  appeal  is  allowed  from  justices  of  the  peace  to  county 

court 

COUNT!    COMMISSIONERS 

From  1  s.!7  until  Isl'.i.  when  township  organization  was  adopted 
ami  put  into  force  in  McHenry  County,  when  supervisors  assumed 
their  office  the  county's  affairs  were  conducted  by  what  was  termed 
the  County  Commissioners  Court  to  which  three  commissioners  were 
elected.  These  commissioners  were  as  follows:  1837 — Charles  II.  Bart- 
lett  (resigned  September  term,  1837),  .Matthias  Mason,  Solomon  Norton; 
Samuel  Sherman.  December.  1n">7;  l.^!>  -Solomon  Norton.  Ransom 
Steele.  William  Jackson;  1839— B.  B.  Brown,  Gideon  Colby,  Eloberl 
G.  White;  1840— B.  P..  Brown.  R.  C.  White-.  Daniel  W.  P.  Tower;  1-H 
— R.  <i.  White  D.  W.  1'.  Tower,  Eosea  B.  Throop;  1843— D.  W.  P. 
Tower.  II.  I'..  Th.oop.  l'.ela  II.  Tryon;  1843— H.  B.  Throop,  B.  II. 
Tryon,  Andrew  .1.  Hayward;  1844— Same  as  in  1843;  1845— H.  B. 
Throop,  A.  .1.  Hayward,  William  A.  McConnell;  1846— H.  B.  Throop, 
William  A.  .McConnell,  Carlisle  Hastings;  1847— William  A.  McConnell. 
Carlisle  Hastings,  Dexter  Barrows;  l>)s    The  same  as  in  l>47. 

COUNTY    JUDGES 

Amory  Thomas,  elected  in  1839;  Andrew  J.  Barnum,  1840;  Joel 
II.  Johnson,  1841-42;  E.  .1.  Smith,  1843-48;  L.  Joslyn.  ^48-49;  Joseph 


BISTORT  OP  M<  HKNUY  COUNTY  131 

Golden,  1849-54;  J.  M.  Strode,  1854-57;  T.  I).  Murphy,  L858-61;  Wil- 
liam Kerr,  L866-67;  I..  S.  Church,  1867-69;  B.  X.  Smith,  1870-82;  0. 
II.  Qilmore,  1882-90;  C.  II.   Donnelly,  1890-97;  0.  II.  Qilmore,   1897 
L906;  D.  T.  Smiley,  1906-1918;  Charles  P.  Barnes. 

KAUI.Y   ATTORNEYS 

li    is  generally  admitted  thai  the  first  attorney  to  practice  law  in 

Mil  I  in  i  \  County  was  Amory  E.  Thomas,  who  came  here  in  1839,  and 
continued  his  practice  until  1844.  The  same  year  saw  the  advenl  here 
of  Calvin  Searl,  who  located  at  Crystal  Lake  and  remained  there  until 
L845 

Ilosea  <;.  Wilson  located  at  McHenry  in  1842,  and  died  in  that  village 
about  18 17.  Charles  .MeClure  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  McHenry 
county  in  1840,  bul  lefl  ii  soon  thereafter.     Be  returned  to  the  county 

in  IS.")]  and  located  permanently  at  Woodstock.  Solomon  IJaird  was 
another  pioneer  lawyer  who  spent  two  years  in  active  practice  at  .Mc- 
Henry,   which    lie   left    in    184"). 

The  following  lawyers  were  ene.av.ed  in  practice  in  the  county  be 
tween  its  tirst  settlement  and  1S44,  and  some  of  these  continued  in 
practice  for  many  years  succeeding  the  latter  date:  .Milton  Xixon. 
D.  C.  Bush,  William  Bloom,  Col.  Laurence  S.  Church,  Amos  B.  Coon, 
Henry  W.  McLean,  Anson  Sperry,  Phineas  W.  Piatt,  Col.  Alonzo  Piatt, 
Amos  Cogswell,  Col.  danics  M.  Strode,  lion.  Theodore  I).  .Murphy.  Charles 
M.  Willard,  Preman  Van  Wickle,  Hon.  M.  1..  Joslyn,  Hon.  William 
Ken-.  II.  s.  Banchett,  1'.  B.  Enos,  S.  R.  Paynter,  George  A.  Parrish, 
William  Jackson,  Bon.  Ira  Rozel  Curtis,  lion.  B.  X.  Smith,  M.  L. 
Ellsworth,  .lames  II.  Slavin,  Hon.  O.  II.  Gilmore,  dames  M.  Southworth, 
Hon.  Richard  Bishop,  C.  II.  Donnelly.  A.  B.  Coon,  Jr.,  Albert  E.  Boone. 
C.    1'.    Barnes,   and   .1.    I''.   Casey. 

It   doubtless  will  he  of  interest  to  many  to  learn  some  special   facts 

concerning  the  lawyers  who  have   practiced   in   tl urts  of   McHenry 

County  in  the  days  that  are  past.  A  former  historical  work  of  the 
county,  as  well  as  other  books  treating  of  the  Bench  and  its  members 

in  Northern   Illinois,  have  1 n  largely  drawn  upon  for  the  facts  given 

below  : 

Hon.  Richard  Bisbop,  a  native  of  New  York  state,  was  born  in  1824 
His   father  was  killed    by  the  falling  of   a   tree  when    he   was  but   seven 
years  old.     He  soon   became  his  mother's  sole  support,  and    worked    for 
ten  cents  a  day,  at   threshing  grain  with  a   Hail,  and   he  also  cut  cord 


L32  BISTORT  OF  M<  HENRY  COUNTY 

wood,  when  a  little  older  and  rtronger,  for  which  latter  work  he 

ceived  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  cents  per  -d.     When  he  reached 

the  age  of  twelve  years,  he  was  bound  oul  to  a  physician  who  owned 
;i  large  "sugar  bush,"  for  whirl,  the  boy  was  obliged  to  provide  all 
the  accessary  wood,  gather  the  sap  from  sixty  five  trees  and  carry  the 
sugar  home  by  means  of  a  yoke  suspended  from  his  Bhoulders.  He 
subsequently  learned  the  blacksmithing  trade,  receiving  $105  for  three 
years'  work  while  mastering  Ins  trade,  tn  the  spring  of  1844,  having 
completed  his  apprenticeship,  he  bade  farewell  to  his  mother,  and  set 
oul  to  seek  his  fortune  in  the  much-heard-of  west.  After  many  ex- 
periences and  some  privations,  he  landed  on  fool  al  McHenry  village, 
having  waded  through  swamps  for  miles  on  Ins  journey.  The  date  of 
his  arrival  was  1844,  and  he  found  plenty  of  employment,  working  until 
the  subsequenl  spring,  first  al  harvesting  during  the  season,  and  then 
during  the  remainder  of  the  time  cutting  cord  wood  at  fifty  cents  per 
cord.  In  the  spring  of  1845  he  began  working  at  his  trade  of  black- 
smithing,  and  during  the  first  year  earned  enough  money  to  buy  of  the 
government,  eighty  acres  of  land,  for  w  hich  he  paid  the  entry  fee  of  $1  25 

per  acre.      He  kept  on  adding  to  his  holdings  until  at   one  time  he  owned 

1,000  acres  of  McHenry  County  land,  and  he  was  also  the  owner  of  a 
large  wagon  factory  and  grist-mill.  Tn  1874  he  embarked  in  the  bank- 
ing business  in  Woodstock,  and  followed  it  for  two  years,  when  he 
bought  a  $1,000  law  library,  began  studying  law,  and  was  later  admitted 
to  the  bar.  In  1874  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Assembly  of  Illinois. 
and  he  also  served  as  county  supervisor  for  fifteen  or  more  years. 

Albert  E.  Bourne,  horn  at  Kenosha,  Wis.,  in  1849,  was  educated  in 
the  Wisconsin  State  University  at  .Madison.  Wis.,  from  which  he  was 
graduated* in  1872.  He  was  then  engaged  in  teaching  school  for  several 
terms,  when  he  became  a  law  student,  and  in  L880  was  admitted  to 
the  bar.  At  one  time  he  served  as  captain  in  the  Illinois  National 
Guard.  He  was  a  well-known  Mason,  and  in  polities  was  a  radical 
Republican. 

I).  ('.  Bush  was  the  first  lawyer  to  locate  at  Woodstock.  He  came 
here  in  the  autumn  of  1844,  and  remained  until  in  December,  1852, 
when  he  removed  to  .Madison.  Wis.  Possessing  average  legal  ability, 
id  a  fair  practice  for  his  day  and  generation. 

Solomon  Baird  ca from  Kentucky  to  tin'  village  of  McHenry  in 

1843,  hut   after  two  years  of  practice,   returned   to   Kentucky. 

Col.  Lawrence  S.  Church,  who  died  many  years  ago,  was  among 
the  strong  and  capable  lawyers  and  Statesmen   of  this  county.     He  was 


BISTORT  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  133 

bora  ;ii  Nunda,  N.  Y.,  in  1820,  and  passed  bis  early  years  on  a  farm. 
Poss  ssing  strong  ambitions,  he  studied  until  be  fitted  himself  to  be  a 
teacher,  and  daring  the  winter  months  taughl  school,  and  with  the 
money  thus  earned  was  able  to  attend  institutions  of  higher  Learning 
during  the  other  months  of  the  year.  Deciding  upon  the  profession  of 
law,  he  studied  to  thai  end,  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  in  1843  came 
Wist,  iii  Mi  Henrj  County,  Locating  in  the  village  of  McHeury.  Colonel 
Church  made  the  long  trip  in  a  leisurely  manner,  riding  by  stage 
coach  a  pari  of  the  way  and  walking  the  remainder.  To  defray  the 
expenses  of  his  differenl  rides,  he  frequently  stopped  long  enough  in 
the  various  communities  through  which  he  passed,  to  lecture  on  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  stairs.  Soon  after  his  arrival  at  McHenry, 
.lit  to  Springfield,  Ills.,  was  there  admitted  to  the  bar  of  tins  state 
and  at  once  began  to  practice  law  at  McHenry.  When  the  seal  of 
justice  was  moved  to  Woodstock,  he  went  with  it,  and  continued  in 
active  practice  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  During  his  earlier 
years  lie  was  ;i  radical  Whig,  and  so  had  no  chance  in  this  county  for 
political    preferment    until    1856,    when    he,   with   so   many   of  the   former 

Whigs,  gave  his  supporl  to  John  C.  Fremont,  the  firsl  man  to  he  can- 
didate t'<>r  the  presidency,  of  the  Republican  party.  McHenry  County 
went  strongly  Republican,  and  Colonel  Church  was  sent  as  a  candidate 
of  his  party  to  tin-  State  Assembly.  He  at  once  became  a  noted  repre- 
sentative of  the  people,  was  reelected,  and  was  made  a  leader  in  tin' 
stormy  -es^ion  which  followed.  Later  he  was  a  candidate  for  Congress, 
but  was  defeated  at  the  polls  by  lion.  E.  1!.  Washburn.  Once  more 
he  was  returned  to  the  Legislature,  and  was  made  chairman  of  the 
Judiciary  Committee.  With  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  War,  he  dis- 
played "Teat  zeal  in  support  of  the  Union,  and  aided  in  organizing  the 
Ninety-fifth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry  of  which  he  was  made  colonel, 
but  his  health  failed,  and  he  resigned.  The  strenuous  exertions  he  had 
made  in  behalf  of  the  cause  had  so  undermined  his  health  that  he 
never  recovered,  and  died  in  isiiii.     He  was  a  man  of  sterling  integrity 

and    possessed   of   a    clear,    brilliant    intellect. 

A.  B.  Coon  of  Marengo,  who  in  1883,  was  accounted  tin'  oldest 
attorney  then  engaged  in  active  practice  in  the  county,  was  horn  in 
Pennsylvania,  in  1815,  the  youngesl  of  twenty-one  children  horn  to  his 
parents.  In  Is:;.")  he  came  t,,  .M, •Henry  County,  opening  his  law  office 
at  the  village  of  Marengo.  For  a  number  of  years  he  was  a  surveyor, 
as  well  as  lawyer,  and  from  IS  HI  to  1862,  was  inaster-in-rhancery  in 
this  county.     During   185]  52  and   1860-64,  he  was  state's  attorney  for 


L34  HISTORY  ()F  McIIENBY  COUNTY 

the  circuit  is  which  this  county  was  then  included.  During  1863-65  he 
served  as  provost  marshal  for  his  congressional  district,  and  at  ;i  later 
date  was  registrar-in-banknrptcy. 

.1.  I'.  Cheever  practised  law  at    Harvard,  this  county,  I'm-  a  period 
of  twelve  years,  but  in  1883  left  this  neighborhood  for  Dakota. 

Ira  Rozel  Curtiss  was  born  in  New  York  state  in  1836,  of  New  Eng- 
land stork.    His  father  died  when  he  was  <mly  two  years  old,  and  his 

early  life  was  a  hard  i .ami  spent  on  the  farm  trying  to  make  a  living 

for-  the  rest  of  the  family.     At  the  age  of  sixteen  years  he  rented  a 

farm  in  the  Genesee  Plats,  N.  Y..  ami  in  this  eon -tion  earned  enough 

money  to  take  him  through  a  three-years'  course  in  Antiocfa  College, 
where  he  was  under  the  preceptorship  of  Horace  Mann.  Subsequently 
he  entered  Union  College,  ami  was  graduated  therefrom  in  I860,  with 
the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts.  In  February,  1861  he  located  in  Mc- 
Henry  County,  taking  up  his  residence  at  Marengo,  where  he  continued 
to  reside,  becoming  one  of  the  honored  citizens,  successful  lawyers  and 
prominent  business  men  of  that  place.  During  the  Civil  War  he  en- 
tered the  Union  Army,  served  for  a  year,  but  had  to  resign  on  account 
■  if  poor  health.  Debarred  from  aetive  service,  he  entered  the  provost 
marshal's  office  and  remained  there  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Study- 
ing law,  in  June,  ISIiii,  lie  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  began  active  practice, 
and  was  admitted  to  he  an  excellent  lawyer.  He  developed  into  one  of 
the  Strong  political  factors  of  his  day.  and  in  1870  was  elected  as  a 
representative  from  McHenry  County  to  the  State  Assembly,  on  the 
Republican  ticket.  The  same  party  sent  him  to  the  upper  lions.'  of 
the  Legislature,  in  1884,  and  in  1876  and  1880  elected  him  state's  at- 
torney. He  was  a  zealous  .Mason,  a  leader  in  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  ami  one  of  the  best  citizens  of  his  day   in   McHenry  County. 

M.  F.  Ellsworth,  formerly  one  of  the  lawyers  of  Xunda.  was  born 
at  Rochester,  New  York,  in  1838.  His  parents  moved  to  .McHenry  Coun- 
ty in  1843,  and  her,'  the  father  became  an  extensive  stockdealer.  Operating 
until  his  death  which  occurred  in  Isjsl.  The  mother  died  in  1851. 
M.  F.  Ellsworth  came  of  distinguished  ancestry,  he  being  a  direct  des- 
cendant of  Supreme  Judge  Ellsworth,  who  served  under  General  Wash- 
ington while  he  was  president;  ami  his  maternal  grandfather,  a  soldier 
of    the    American     Revolution,    was    wounded    seven    times    during    that 

war.  ami   lived   to   tl xtrenie  old   age   of   Ids   years.      Growing   up   in 

.McHenry  County  M.  F.  Ellsworth  here  r ived  his  educational  train- 

ing  but.  after  reaching  manhood  went  to  Kentucky,  and  was  there  mk- 
eessfully  engaged  in  school-teaching  until  tl utbreak  of  tin'  civil  War, 


fe 

k 


HISTORY  OF  M<  HENRY  COl  XTY  L35 

;it  which  time  he  enlisted  in  the  Union  army,  and  held  various  official 
positions  until  iis  termination.     After  his  return  home  from  military 

service,  he  studied  law  with  Church  &  Kerr  of  W Istock,  and  in  the 

fall  of  1866  entered  the  law  department  of  the  state  University  at  Ann 
Arlnii'.  Mich.,  in  'in  which  he  was  graduated  in  1868,  and  was  admitted 
to  the  bar.     For  a  short  period  thereafter,  he  was  engaged  in  practice 

at  New  Hampton,  Iowa,  and  at  Crete,  Nebr.,  and  then  located  per 
manently  at   X  inula,  now  Crystal   Lake,  this  county. 

O.  II.  Gillmore,  formerly  county  judge  of  McHenry  County,  was 
born  in  St.  Lawrence  County,  X.  V.,  in  1S4S.     The  family  moved  to 

this   county    in    1854,    and    here    he    attended    the    common    schools,    later 

entering  the  law  department  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  after  pre- 
paring himself  by  study  under  A.  1"..  Coon  and  Ira  I\.  Curtiss.  He 
was  graduated  therefrom  in  1ST.'!,  and  commenced  practice  that  same 
year  at  Woodstock.  He  was  elevated  to  the  bench  of  McHenry  County 
in   1882. 

Charles  M.  Willard  located  at  Woodstock  in  1851,  and  formed  a 
partnership  with  Col.  L.  S.  Church.  This  connection  soon  terminated 
by  mutual  consent,  and  Mr.  Willard  practiced  alone  for  a  time.  Still 
later  he  formed  a  partnership  with  .lames  II.  Slavin,  severing  it  in 
1857,  to  locate  permanently  at  Chicago,  III.     He  was  an  able  lawyer. 

Amos  Cogswell  first  was  engaged  in  legal  practice  at  Hebron,  where 

he  settled  in  1S47.  hut  three  years  later  came  to  Woodstock,  where  he 
forme, I  a  partnership  with  Charles  McClure,  and  1  hey  enjoyed  a  large 
practice  for  several  years.  Later  he  moved  away,  he  and  Mr.  .McClure 
going  to  Minnesota  in  1859,  and  in  the  eighties  he  was  known  to  he 
practicing  his  profession  in  Clark  County,  Dak.  lie  was  a  man  of  dis- 
tinction, who.  having  Studied  law  with  Franklin  Pierce,  was  by  that 
-.talesman,  after  he   was  elevated   to  the   presidency,   appointed   to  a 

govern nt  position  at  Washington. 

Col.  -lames  M.  Strode  was  well  known  as  one  of  the  ablest  lawyers 
of  Northern  Illinois  during  earlier  years.  He  located  at  Woodstock 
in  either  1850  or  1851,  and  at  that  time  had  already  won  his  reputa- 
tion at  the  har  in  both  Galena  ami  Chicago.  From  1854  to  1857  he  served 
as  county  j  mitre  of  McHenry  County,  hut  during  the  later  year  he 
moved  to  Missouri,  ami  from  thence  to  Kentucky,  where  he  died.  His 
was  a  logical  and  legal  mind,  and  he  was  forceful  in  argument.     It  is 

claimed  that  as  a  Story-teller  he  hail  hut  one  rival  in  the  state  of  Illi- 
nois. Abraham  Lincoln. 

Theodore  I).  Murphy,  formerly  circuit  judge  of  this  district,  was 


136  HISTORY  OF  Mi  HENRY  COUNTY 

born  in  Virginia,  in  1826.  He  came  i"  McHenry  County  in  L845,  and 
settled  ;it  Woodstock  in  January,  1851,  where  he  entered  upon  the  prac- 
tice of  the  law.     He  \\ ;i -■  subsequently  elevated  t<>  the  bench,  and  served 

as  a  judg  ■  for  twenty years.     For  Eour  year-  he  »;h  county  judge, 

and  then  Erom  1862  until  W'.i  he  was  circuil  judge.  During  the  lasl 
three  years  he  was  chief  justice  of  the  appellate  courl  of  Cook  County, 
District  No.  1.  It  was  be  who  formed  the  appellate  court  of  thai  dis- 
trict, designed  the  seal,  procured  the  books  and  completed  all  the  ar- 
range  nts  for  opening  it.     In  each  and  everj    position   to   which   he 

was  called.  Judge  Murphy  bore  himself  with  dignified  capability,  and 
will  Ion-  lie  remembered  as  one  of  the  naosl  distinguished  men  of  this 
part  of  the  commonwealth  of  Illinois. 

Henry  McLean,  lawyer  and  politician  and  earlj  settler  of  HcHenry 
County,  was  horn  in  Columbia  County,  X.  V..  in  1M>*.  a  sou  of  a 
hnian  who  came  to  America  when  a  young  man.  and  became  a 
soldier  of  the  American  Revolution.  Henry  \V.  .McLean  was  reared 
on  a  farm.  Init  when  he  was  twenty-two  years  old  he  began  the  study 
of  law.  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  bis  native  state,  in  1834,  and 
lie    was   there    engaged    in    an    active    practice    for    two    year-.       He    then 

hit   Xew   York  fur  Illinois,  and  settled  at  McHenry.     In  1842  he  was 

admitted  to  the  bar  of  Illinois.     With  the  formation  of  the  Republican 

party,  he  became  one  Of  its  zealous  supporters,  and  attained  distinc- 
tion as  a  campaign  worker.  Mr.  McLean  stood  high  among  his  fellow 
citizens   and   was    recognized   as   an   excellent    ami    well-balanced    lawyer. 

Charles  McClure  was  admitted  to  the  McHenry  County  bar  in 
1S40.  and  for  a  few  i i1  lis  thereafter  was  engaged  in  practice  at  Mc- 
Henry. hut  left  that  village  for  La  Porte,  End.  still  later  la'  became  a 
minister  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  faith,  hut  returned  to  the  law. 
and  coming  hack  to  McHenry  County,  for  about  seven  years  was  en- 
gaged   in    practice    at     W Istock    in    partnership    with    Amos    Co-swell. 

He  then  moved  to  Minnesota.  An  earnest,  purposeful  man.  he  attained 
to  success  ill  the  law. 

Calvin  Searl,  who  was  the  fourth  attorney  to  engage  iii  practice 
iii  McHenry  County,  settled  at  Crystal  Lake  in  1839,  remained  there 
until  1845,  ami  then  moved  io  Wisconsin. 

Hamilton  Nixon,  a  native  of  Vermont,  was  among  the  firsl  of  the 

attorneys  of  McHenry  County.  He  was  possessed  of  brilliant  intellect, 
but  died  when  but  a  little  over  thirty  years  of  age. 

Phineas  W.  Piatt  came  to  Woodstock  in  .March.  1845.  He  was  a 
native   of    Pennsylvania,    who   studied    law    in    Indiana,    and    commenced 


HISToKY   OF   M(  HENRY   COUNT'S  137 

his  practice  al  Woodstock.  It  is  said  thai  he  was  one  of  the  best  lawyers 
who  ever  tried  a  case  in   McHenry  County.     His  strength   lay   in   his 

logical  mind  and   forceful  mi er,  rather  than  in  his  eloquence,  and 

his  evidenl  sincerity  was  very  convincing  to  a  jury.  He  formed  a 
partnership  with  Aionzo  Piatt  and  thej  operated  as  Platl  &  1'latt  and 
did  a  large  business.  Although  possessed  of  the  same  surname,  there 
was  no  relationship  between  them.  AJonzo  Platl  wenl  to  California 
during  the  period  of  the  firs!  gold  excitement,  bul  Phineas  W.  I'lalt 
remained  in  Woodstock  until  1851,  when  he  went  to  Texas,  and  there 
died  several  j  ears  later. 

Col.  Alonzo  I'latt  was  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  in  McHenry 
County  in  partnership  with  Phineas  W.  Piatt,  they  having  their  offices 
in  the  historic  "Ral  Hole"  Building  on  the  Square.  Going  to  Cali- 
fornia in  1850,  he  had  many  experiences,  and  died  at  Virginia  city. 
New.  in  1862.  lie  was  an  excellent  lawyer,  a  strong  Democrat,  and 
tine  campaigner.  His  birth  took  place  at  Danbury,  Conn.,  in  1816, 
from  whence  he  later  went  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  served  in  the  State 
Assembly  in  1844.  Studying  law.  he  was  admitted  to  the  liar,  and 
began  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Woodstock.  During  the  time 
he  lived  here  he  served  as  state's  attorney,  and  was  accounted  an  ex- 
cellent   lawyer  and   able    man. 

Ansun  Sperry,  who  practiced  law  at  Marengo,  was  born  in  Ver- 
mont   in   1824.     His  father  was  an  attorney,  who,  at  an  early  daj    ved 

to    Plattsburg,   X.    Y.      In    1841    Anson    Sperry   came   to    Illinois,   and    In' 
■/an    the   study   of   law   under  Judge   Skinner,   and    was   admitted    to   the 
liar   in    1  > 4 A .      lie   continued    with   Judge    Skinner   for    two   years,   and 
then.    May   7,   1S47,  arrived   at    Marengo,   being   the   second    lawyer   to 
locate  there.     In  the  autumn  of  1848  lie  was  elected  magistrate  in  a 

political  contest  between  the  northern  and  southern  part  of  Marengo 
Township.  About  the  same  time  he  was  appointed  postmaster  of  Ma- 
rengo,  and  held  that  position  until  1861.  In  1853,  in  company  with 
Cornelius  Lansing,  he  opened  a  banking  house  at  Marengo,  and  carried 
it  on  until  1863,  when  he  was  appointed  paymaster  in  the  Army  of  the 
Cumberland,  during  the  Civil  War.  In  lSii.'i  he  was  transferred  to 
Chk-ago,  111.  He  was  still  a  resident  of  McHenry  County  late  in  the 
eigbl  ies. 

Freeman   Van   Wickle  came   from  New   York   to   McHenry   County 

about     1852,    and    for   about    nine   years    was   one   of    the    lawyers    i  f    this 

i ■ei'_'hborh 1.     Fur  a  time   he  was  associated   in   a   legal    partnership 


138  BISTORT?  OF   M<  IIKXIIY  COUNTY 

with  m.  I..  Joslyn.  During  the  period  of  tin'  Civil  War  he  moved  to 
Michigan. 

Merritl  I..  Joslyii,  Eor  many  years  one  "I'  the  Eoremosl  lawyers  of 
Northern  [llinois,  was  lmrn  in  New  Fork,  Livingston  County,  in  1827, 
and  resided  in  thai  county  until  after  1839.  II.'  was  a  Democrat,  ami 
an  elector  I'm-  James  Buchanan  Eor  tin'  presidency.     Later  on  lie  united 

with   the   Republican   Eorces,  and   became  a    i ognized   leader  among 

tlic  stalwarts  of  this  party.  During  the  civil  War  be  Berved  as  cap- 
tain of  the  Thirty-sixth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry.  During  1864-65 
ho  represented  the  districl  of  which  McHenry  County  was  a  part,  in 
the  state  Assembly,  and  in  1876  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate  by  a 

majority  of  ..vcr  3.000.  II.'  was  recognized  as  a  man  capable  of  hold- 
ing high  ami  important  positions.  In  the  eighties  this  appreciation 
took  still  more  practical  form  in  his  appointment  to  the  office  of  as- 
sistanl  secretary  of  the  interior  department  at  Washington,  by  Presi- 
dent   Arthur.  July,  1882. 

William   Kerr,   now    deceased,   was   horn    in    Delaware   County,   Ohio, 

in  1819.      In   1839   he  came  to  Illinois,  and   for  a   time   resided   in    1'. 

County.  Always  Erom  his  youth,  he  had  evinced  a  Likhlg  ami  aptitude 
for  legal  matters,  and  while  still  in  his  teens  helped  t..  settle  many  a 
neighborhood  dispute,  without  charge.    In  1857  his  friend,  L.  S.  Church, 

induced    him    to   come   t0    Woodstock,   and    l.e.'oliie   his    partner    in    his    law 

business.  -Mr.  Kerr  made  an  excellent  lawyer,  and  was  serving  his 
second  term  as  county  judge,  when,  duly  26,  1866,  he  died  very  sud- 
denly, his  demise  being  a  great  shock  to  the  community,  for  not  only 
the  members  of  the  bar,  hut  the  people  at  large,  had  great  faith  ami 

esteem    in    and    for   this   truly   excellent    man. 

II.  S.  Ilanchett,  a  lawyer  of  fair  ahility,  came  to  Woodstock  in  1857, 
and  was  a  partner  of  M.  1..  Joslyn  until  1862,  when  he  went  int..  the 
Union  army,  during  the  Civil  War.  ami  being  subsequently  captured 
and  confined  at  Andersonville,  there  met  his  death,  it  i^  claimed  from 
starvation. 

Flavcl  K.  Granger,  of  McHenry,  was  another  early  attorney,  although 
he  was  even  better  known  as  a  husiness  man.  He  was  horn  in  Wayne 
County.  X.  V..  in  1832,  and  remained  on  a  farm  until  he  was  fifteen 
years   old.   at    which    time    he   entered    the    Wesleyan    Academy   at    Lima. 

X.  Y.    At  the  age  of  eighteen  years  he  commenced  teaching  scl 1.  and 

in  the  spring  of  1S.">3.  migrated  westward,  and  immediately  began  the 
study  of  law  after  reaching  Waukegan,  Wis.    In  the  fall  of  1855  he  was 

admitted  to  the  har,  hut  ..win-  to  ill  health  did  not  at   oiiee  begin  practic- 


BISTORT  OF  .M.IIKXKY  COUNTY  139 

Lng  his  profession,  for  some  years  thereafter  being  engaged  in  stockbuy- 
ing  and  farming  in  and  aboul  McBenry.  As  the  years  passed  and  he 
regained  Ins  health,  he  began  to  put  to  practical  use  the  Legal  knowledge 
he  had  gained,  bu1  continued  to  look  after  his  other  interests  as  well. 
In  1870  he  was  elected  county  supervisor  from  Ids  township,  and  was 
the  firsl  Republican  to  be  circled  from  it.  In  1S7'J  lie  was  elected  as  a 
representative  to  the  Illinois  state  Assembly,  and  was  re  elected  for  three 
terms  without   opposition.     During   the  last    two  terms  he  was  made 

speaker  of  the   BoUSe,  being  the  lil'st   to  preside  in  tile  new  state  hOUSe. 
T.   B.   Wakeman   located   in   what    was  then  the  Little  hamlet    of   Alden. 

in  1839,  and  is  the  only  member  of  his  profession  to  make  it  his  place 

of  residence.  In  In>!I  he  moved  to  Harvard,  and  after  a  few  years  went 
to  Chicago,  where  he  died  in  1882.  In  1868  Mr.  Wakeman 's  son, 
Thaddeus  Wakeman,  a  graduate  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  became 
associated  with  him  in  his  law  business. 

John  A.  Parrish,  horn  in  New  York  in  1825,  was  a  member  of  a  well- 
educated  and  highly-Cultured  family.  He  attended  the  New  York  Nor- 
mal School  at  Albany,  X.  Y.,  and  then  became  a  scl I  teacher,  following 

that  calling  until  his  health  failed  him,  in  1859.  He  had  conn'  to  Illi- 
nois and  attained  distinction  in  scholastic  circles  at   Aurora  and   \Y I 

Stock,  and   at    the  same  time   had   studied   law.      Soon   thereafter    he   was 

admitted  to  the  bar  ami  was  engaged  in  a  general  Legal  practice  at  Mc- 

Ilenry  until  his  death  in  1882.  He  was  highly  esteemed  at  the  bar.  but 
mi  account  of  his  weak  lungs,  was  not  a  successful  jury  lawyer,  but  as 
an  office  attorney  was  excellent.  Ml-.  Parrish  was  also  very  successful 
as  a   pension  agent   and  as  an  attorney   in   insurance  cases.      He  amassed 

considerable  property. 

William  Jackson  was  born  in  Connecticut  in  1S0S.  He  accompanied 
his  family  to  Ashtabula,  Ohio,  in  1832.  In  L843  his  father  came  to 
Melleuiy  County,  111.,  where  he  lived  until  his  death  at  the  age  of 
seventy-seven  years.  After  obtaining  an  excellent  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools.  William  Jackson  engaged  in  Lumbering,  but  in  1828  began 
reading  law  with  .Indue  Pisbie,  but  was  not  admitted  to  the  bar  until 
1859.  First  locating  at  Algonquin,  in  1838,  he  lived  in  that  village  until 
he  moved  to  Xiinda,  now  Crystal  hake,  where  he  was  engaged  in  a  gen- 
eral practice,  and  for  sixteen  years  served  as  a  justice  of  the  peace.  Twice 
he  was  elected  associate  judge,  and  later  was  appointed  judge  vice  .Indue 
Carr,  deceased.  Politically  he  was  a  Democrat,  and  for  fifty  years  he 
was  a  consistent   member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

Benjamin  X.  Smith,  a  native  of  McBenry  County,  was  born  in  is:{s, 


1  in  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNT? 

a  son  of  Nathaniel  Smith,  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the  county.  He  received 
an  academic  education  ;ii  various  educational  Institutions  of  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin.  In  1864  he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  Ninety-fifth  Illinois 
Volunteer  Infantry,  during  the  Civil  War,  and  continued  to  serve  until 
the  termination  of  the  conflict.  In  April,  1866,  he  was  graduated  from 
the  law  departmenl  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  ;it  Ann  Arbor,  .Mich., 
and  immediately  thereafter  opened  a  law  office  al  Woodstock,  and  was 
there  engaged  in  practice  for  many  years.  In  1869  he  was  elected  county 
judge,  ami  held  that  office  for  more  than  a  dozen  years,  and  for  four 
years  was  a  master-in-chancery.  He  was  a  zealous  Mason,  belonged 
tn  the  Methodisl  Episcopal  Church,  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic, 
and  the  Ancienl  Order  of  United  Workmen,  and  lived  up  to  the  ideals 
of  all  these  organizations. 

John  M.  Southworth,  another  practicing  attorney  at  Woodstock  dur- 
ing its  earlier  period,  was  born  in  Vermont  in  1M!!>.  settled  in  McHenry 

County  in  1858,  and  becan ne  of  its  useful  citizens.     In  April.  1861, 

five  days  after  Port   Sumter  was  fired  upon  by  the  Confederates,  en 
listed  in  the  Seventh  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry.     Later  he  re-enlisted 
in   another  infantry    regiment,   serving    for   a    period   of   over   five   years. 

and  leaving  the  service  with  the  rank  of  major.    He  was  elected  sheriff 

of  McHenry  County  in  ISOli,  and  clerk  of  the  circuit  court,  in  1868. 
In  1873  lie  began  the  practice  of  law  at  Woodstock,  hut  during  the 
eighties  was  an  attorney  of  Chicago.  In  August,  )>-'■'<.  he  was  appointed 
e dssioner  of  the  Illinois  penitentiary. 

■  I.' s    11.    Slavin    ranked    among    the    best    lawyers    of    his    day    and 

generation.  He  was  horn  and  reared  in  McHenry  County,  and  after 
practicing  here  for  fifteen  years,  on  February  (i,  1875,  he  passed  away, 
aged  thirty-eight  years,  lie  was  a  self-made  man.  and  rose  to  a  high 
position  among  his  fellow  men.  He  had  a  Logical  mind,  a  tine  discrimi- 
nating power,  ami  a  most  excellent  memory.  Although  interested  in 
state  and  national  affairs,  he  kept  out  of  polities,  and  oftentimes  refused 
nomination  for  office,  preferring  to  devote  all  of  his  time  and  energy 

1<<  t  he   law. 

state's  attorneys 

Alonzo  Huntington,  1837-40;  Edward  G.  Regan,  L840  13;  James  Cur- 
tiss.  1843-44;  William  A.  Boardman,  1845-49;  Alonzo  Piatt,  1850-51; 
Ami,,  p..  Coon,  1852;  .M.  M.  Boyce,  1853-57;  Edward  S.  Joslyn,  1>-">7- 
61;  Amos  B.  Coon.   1861  63;  M.  M.   Boyce,  1864-69;  Charles  Helium. 


BISTORY  OF  M.  BENRY  COUNT'S  1  II 

1870-73;  Joseph   1'.  Cheever,   1873-76;   Ira   R.  Curtiss,   1877-84;   A.   B. 

c ,.  1884  96;  V.  S.  Lumley,  1896-1900;  L.  D.  Lowell,  1900  1908;  David 

I;   Joslyn,  1908  L916;  V.  S.  Lumley,  1916. 

PRESENT    ITTORNETS 

The  present  members  of  the  bar  of  McHenry  County  are  as  follows: 

Allen,  C.  T.,  Woodstock;  Barnes,  C.   P.   (county  judge),   W Istock; 

Barnes,  C.  Percy,  W Istock;  Bennett,  P.  B.,  Woodstock;  Cairns,  W.  R., 

Woodstock;  Carmark.  M.  A..  \V Istock;  Carroll,  William  .M.,  Wood- 
stock; Donovan,  Paul  J.,  Barvard;  Donovan,  Ruperl  1).,  Woodstock; 
Eckert,  Ployd  B.,  Woodstock;  Field,  George  W.,  Woodstock;  Francis, 

Charles  II..  Woodstock;  Boy,  E.  R.,  Woodstock;  Joslyn,  D.  K..  W I 

stuck;  Joslyn,  I).  R.,  Jr.,  Woodstock;  Lumley.  V.  S.  (stale's  attorney), 
Woodstock;  Lowell,  L.  D..  Crystal  Lake;  .Mauley.  B.  P.,  Harvard;  .Mul- 
len. A.  .1.  (master-in-chancery),  Woodstock;  Marshall,  R.  P.,  Harvard; 
McCauley,  James  J.,  Woodstock;  McConnell,  W.  S.,  Woodstock;  North- 
rop, Charles  S.,  Woodstock;  Palmer,  L.  I'...  Barvard;  Pouse,  Alfred  H., 
West  McHenry;  Smiley.  I).  T..  Harvard;  shurtletV.  E.  1).  (circuil 
judge),  Marengo;  Whittemore,  C.  B.,  Marengo;  and  Waite,  E.  II.. 
W Istock. 

MC  HENRI    COUNTY    BAB    ASSOCIATION 

The  McHenry  County  Bar  Association  was  organized  February  Li, 

1915,   and   elected   officers   who   are   still    Serving,   as   follows:      President. 

Bon.  Charles  II.  Donnelly;  vice  president,  B.  P.  Manley;  and  Paul  J. 
Donovan,  secretary  and  treasurer.  Nearly  every  member  of  the  county 
bar  belongs  to  this  association.  As  it  is  still  a  somewhat  new  organiza- 
tion, there  is  hut  little  history  connected  with  it.  The  judges  and  law- 
yers throughoul  the  entire  portion  of  the  state,  acknowledge  thai  Mc- 
Benry  County  has  an  exceedingly  strong  bar  and  that  no  better  trial 
lawyers  ran  be  found  in  the  entire  state  than  some  of  the  members  of 
the  small  bar  of  McHenry  County.  They  are  often  spoken  of  as  "the 
figb.1  bag  bar  of  McHenrj   I  !ounty." 

CIRCUIT    COURT   OFFICERS 

The  officers  of  the  McHenry  County  Circuit  Court,  which  is  a  pari 
of  the  Seventeenth  Judicial   District,  together  with   Boone,   Lake  and 


1  pj  HISTORY  OF  M,  HENRY  COUNTY 

Winnebago  counties,  are  as  follows:  Edward  1>.  Shurtleff,  Claire  C. 
Edwards  and  Robert  K.  Welch,  judges;  Arthur  J.  Mullen,  master-in- 
chancery;  V.  S.  Lumley,  state's  attorney;  Charles  P.  Hayes,  clerk;  and 
Roy  T.  Stewart,  sheriff. 

IN     UEMORIAM 

The  McHenry  County  Bar  passed  and  caused  to  be  spread  upon  the 
court  records  of  this  county  the  following  resolutions  on  the  death  of 
Judge  Frost,  and  a  number  of  his  fellow  lawyers,  the  same  being  exe- 
cuted by  attorney  J.  P.  Casey,  and  the  committee  of  which  he  was 
chairman : 

"He  it  resolved,  By  the  members  of  the  McHenry  County  Bar,  and 
each  of  us,  that  with  sail  hearts,  reverence  and  esteem,  we  assemble  to- 
day, to  pay  a  tribute,  just  and  fitting  to  the  memory  of  our  departed 
professional  brothers,  citizens  and  beloved  friends.  Calvin  J.  Hendricks. 
John  <!.  Cooney  and  Joseph  I.  Land,  each  of  whom  have  been  taken 

from  us  by  the  will  and  deer E  God;  and  yet  we  no  less  deplore  their 

loss  to  their  families,  friends  and  professional  brothers,  each  being 
(■ailed  to  answer  the  Divine  summons  of  death  in  the  power  and  vigor 

of  his  young  manhood,  at  a  time  in  life  when  most  useful  to  all  the 
duties,   work   and    obligations   to  society   ami    the   world. 

"Be  it  further  resolved.  I'.y  the  members  of  the  .McHenry  County 
Bar,  thai  each  of  our  above  mentioned  professional  brothers  possessed 
excellent  personality,  good  ambition  and  a  trustworthy  character,  that 
each  loved  the  law  for  its  own  sake,  and  practiced  it  with  a  true  intent 
toward  justice  and  the  righl  in  all  cases  which  came  to  them  for  con- 
sideration and  adjustment. 

"Be  it  further  resolved,  That  each  was  successful  in  the  great  pro- 
fession of  the  law,  and  that  the  same  could  not  have  been  obtained  with- 
out superior  intelligence,  energy  and  a  high  sense  of  duty,  which  each 
possessed  in  no  small  degree. 

"lie   it    further   resolved.   That    in   the  death   of   Calvin   -I.   Hendricks. 

John  •).  Cooney  and  Joseph  I..  Lang,  that  the  .McHenry  County  Bar 
has  been  deprived  of  three  of  its  most  valuable  and  efficient  lawyers, 

whom  we  had  admired,  confided  in  and  whose  companionship  we  all 
enjoyed   in  life. 

"Whereas  it  has  pleased  God  to  remove  from  our  midst  our  late 
In-other,  citizen  and  jurist,  Arthur  II.  Prost,  of  Rockford,  III.,  and. 

"Whereas,  Be  it  resolved  by  the  members  of  the  McHenry  County 
Bar,  that  while  we  how  with  humble  submission  to  the  will  of  the  most 


to 

ST 


^ 


BISTORT?  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  I  13 

1 1  ili.  we  do  doI  the  less  mourn  for  our  distinguished  brother,  citizen 

and  jurist,  who  has  been  taken  IV us. 

"Be  it  further  resolved,  Thai  in  the  death  of  Judge  Frost,  the 
members  of  the  McHenry  County  Bar  and  each  of  us  lamenl  the  loss 
of  a  brother  whose  heart  ami  hand  were  ever  ready  in  assist  in  bring- 
ing aboul  our  welfare  and  prosperity;  a  friend  and  companion  who  was 

deal-  tu  us  all:  a  citizen  of  whose  upright   and  noble  life  was  a  standard 

to  he  followed  by  his  fellow  citizens;  a  lawyer  of  excellent  ability  and 
integrity,  possessing  a  high  sense  of  professional  duty  and  ever  striving 
to  do  it  ;  a  judge  who  in  the  trial  of  the  eases  before  him  endeavored 
to  recognize  only  the  law  and  the  evidence  and  rendered  his  derisions 
accordingly. 

"Be  it  further  resolved.  That  the  Seventeenth  Judicial  Circuit  of 
the  state  of  Illinois  has  suffered  the  li  3  of  a  jurist  whose  services  on 
the  bencb  did  much  to  promote  justice,  and  give  confidence  to  our  courts 

and   to   elevate   the   legal    profession." 

On  the  death  of  Attorney  John  1'..  Lyon,  of  Harvard,  in  .July.  1915, 
Judge  Donnelly  paid  the  following   fine  tribute  to  the  deceased: 

"1  regarded  Mr.  Lyon  as  a  very  aide  lawyer.  He  was  the  oldest 
member  of  the  McHenry  County  Bar  at  the  time  of  his  death:  had  a 
varied  and  extensive  practice  and  combined  with  his  legal  knowledge, 
he  possessed  a  wonderful  fund  of  common  sense.  He  was  a  careful 
advisor,  a  <_rood  and  resourceful  fighter,  a  legal  adversary  to  lie  feared, 
and  better  than  all,  always  fair  and  honorable  witli  the  court.  The  mem- 
bers of  the  bar  as  well  as  the  courts  will  miss  him  as  he  was  always  a 
source  of  assistance  to  each." 

After  thirty  years  of  continuous  service  mi  the  Circuit  Court  bench, 
on    account  of   ill    health.  Judge    Charles    II.    Donnelly,  of    Woodstock, 

resigned  in  the  month  of  December  1920,  and  Attorney  Edward  I).  Shurt- 
leff,  of  Marengo,  was  immediately  appointed  by  Governor  Lowden  to 

serve  out  Judge  Donnelly's  unexpired  term. 

At  the  January  term  of  the  Circuit  Court  of  McHenry  County  a 
large  gathering  of  the  lawyers  and  Judges  of  the  Circuit  was  held  at  the 
Circuit  Court  room  in  the  City  of  Woodstock  to  pay  their  respects  to 
Judge  Donnelly  on  his  retirement   from  the  Circuit  Court  bench. 

A  large  number  of  the  Rockford,  Waukegan  and  Belvidere  lawyers 
and  court  officials  were  in  attendance  as  well  as  other  lawyers  from  Kane 
anil  adjoining  counties,  and  on  the  occasion  the  following  resolution  was 
passed  and  ordered  spread  of  record  in  the  court  over  which  Judge 
Donnelly  had  been  tic  presiding  Judge  for  so  many  years: 


1  II  HISTORY  OF   McIIENBY  COUNTY 

"WHEREAS,  the  Bonorable  Charles  II.  Dm, nelly,  of  Woodstock, 
Illinois,  after  a  service  of  thirty  years  od  the  Bench,  has  voluntarily 
retired  as  one  of  the  presiding  Judges  of  the  Seventeenth  Judicial  <ir- 

Cllil  of  tin'  Stale  of  Illinois; 

AND  WHEREAS,  we,  the  presenl  presiding  Judges  of  the  said 
Seventeenth  Judicial  Circuit  and  the  members  of  the  Bar  thereof,  have 
today  assembled  lot-  the  purpose  of  paying  a  jusl  tribute  of  respect  and 
Honor  to  Judge  Donnelly  upon  his  retirement; 

AND  WHEREAS,  it  is  just  that  a  proper  recognition  of  his  long 
ami  faithful  service  ami  a  fitting  acknowledgment  of  his  many  virtues 
should  be  publicly  made; 

THEREFORE  BE  IT  RESOLVED,  by  the  present  presiding  Judg<  - 
ami  the  members  of  the  Bar  of  tin'  Seventeenth  Judicial  Circuit  of  the 
State  of  Illinois,  that  in  the  retirement  of  Judge  Donnelly  we  ami  each 
of  us  regret  the  loss  to  the  Bench  of  this  Judicial  <  lircuit  of  a  Judge  who 
possessed  legal  qualifications  of  a  high  order,  a  true  sense  of  professional 
honor  and  integrity,  ami  who.  while  ever  tempering  justice  with  mercy, 

performed  the  duties  of  his  office  fearlessly  and  fairly,  yet  with  a  kind- 
ness of  heart  that  has  endeared  him  to  all  whose  duties  or  profession 
brought  them  in  contact  with  his  Court  throughout  his  long  years  of 
public  service. 

BE  IT  FURTHER  RESOLVED,  that  in  the  retirement  of  Judge 
Donnelly  the  Seventeenth  Judicial  Circuit  of  the  State  of  Illinois  has 
suffered  a  loss  of  a  jurist  of  signal  aliility.  scrupulous  honesty  and  in- 
tegrity, whose  service  on  the  Bench  did  much  to  promote  justice,  increase 
confidence  in  our  courts  and  elevate  the  legal  profession. 

BE  IT  FURTHER  RESOLVED,  by  the  presenl  Judges  and  mem- 
bers of  the  Bar  of  said  Seventeenth  Judicial  Circuit,  that  our  sincere 
and  heartfelt  thanks  he  atnl  they  are  hereby  extended  to  Judge  Donnelly 
a-  a  private  citizen  for  the  many  professional  and  personal  court. 
received  by  us  and  (he  kindly  services  rendered  to  us  in  the  past  with 
further  assurance  thai   our  love,  esteem  and  lies!    wishes  go  with  him  in 

hi-  retirement,  together  with  the  hope  thai  he  may  he  spared  for  many 
years  to  enjoy  tin-  confidence  and  respect  of  his f ellowmen  for  his  long 
ami  faithful  services  in  their  behalf,  ami  that  his  twilight  years  he  bright- 
ened by  tin'  consciousness  of  duties  well  done. 

RESOLVED,  that  this  resolution  he  spread  upon  the  records  of  the 
Circuit  Court  of  the  Seventeenth  Judicial  I  lircuit  of  the  State  of  I  Ilium-, 
and  an  engrossed  copy  thereof  presented  to  the  Honorable  Charles  II. 
Dmmellv." 


CHAPTER  X 

MEDICAL  PROFESSION 

By  Dr.  C.  M.  Johnson 

Tilt;     HEALING     ART — EARLIEST     PHYSICIANS ALDEN ALGONQUIN CARY 

CHEMUNG CORAL GREENWOOD HARMONY HARTLAND  HARVARD 

HEBRON  HUNTLEY MC   HENRY — MARENGO RICHMOND WOODSTOCK 

COMMON    DISORDERS    OF    EARLY    YEARS SIDELIGHTS    ON    EARLY    PHYSI- 
CIANS  PHYSICIANS  OF  A   LATER  DATE — COTTAGE   HOSPITAL   AT    HARVARD 

WOODSTOCK    HOSPITAL    ASSOCIATION PRESENT    PHYSICIANS MEDICAL 

SOCIETY. 

THE  HEALING  ART  • 

From  the  earliest  ages  until  the  present,  the  art  of  healing  has  been 
recognized  as  one  of  the  most  important  agencies  in  the  life  of  the  people 
of  any  country,  and  even  the  savage  tribes  pay  honor  to  their  ' '  Medicine 
.Men."  From  the  days  when  his  prototype  wa9  the  only  recourse  for 
the  sick,  until  these  enlightened  days  when  the  physician  and  surgeon 
is  able,  through  his  science  and  knowledge,  to  work  what  but  a  few  years 
ago  would  have  seemed  an  impossibility.  But  yesterday  in  the  World 
War,  in  the  midst  of  the  thunder  of  mighty  guns,  when  every  device  for 
the  destruction  of  mankind  was  employed,  it  is  the  triumph  for  the 
medical  fraternity  that  the  percentage  of  fatalities  at  the  front  was  not 
so  measurably  higher  than  those  of  normal  existence,  because  of  the  skill 
of  the  men  who  have  risen  to  undreamed  of  heights  in  the  healing  art. 

This  county  has  contributed  its  quota  to  the  noble  band  of  men  en- 
gaged in  the  work  of  counterbalancing  the  horrors  of  modern  warfare, 
and  from  the  beginning  of  its  history  it  has  been  the  boast  of  the  county 
that  its  physicians  and  surgeons  have  ranked  with  the  best  of  the  country. 

EARLIEST    PHYSICIANS 

It  is  believed  that  the  first  doctor  to  locate  within  McHenry  County 
was  Dr.  Christy  G.  Wheeler,  who  settled  at  McHenry  about  1837 ;  he  was 

14.". 


146  BISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

soon  followed,  however,  by  Dp.  A.  B.  Cornish.  In  order  to  give  the 
reader  a  clearer  account  ol  the  semes  of  physicians  who  have  from  time 
to  time  practiced  in  this  COUnty,  thej  will  be  treated  hy  towns,  villages 
and  cities  in  which  they  liave  resided,  or  are  now  practicing. 

ALDEN 

Dr.  I).  S.  McOonigle  was  the  first  to  practice  medicine  in  Alden,  he 
locating:  there  in  1^4").  Dr.  Allen  C.  Bingham  was  in  practice  here  from 
1S57  to  1S65,  and  was  very  successful.  Dr.  D.  C.  Gilbert  Located  here 
in  1868,  and  Dr.  Woodworth  in  1870.  From  1874  to  1881,  Dr.  A.  S. 
Munson  was  engaged  in  practice  at  Alden.  and  sold  his  practice  to  Dr. 
G.  Ballanger.  Other  physicians  have  come  and  gone  from  this  section 
of  the  county,  some  of  whom  are  mentioned  in  the  biographical  section 
of  this  work. 

ALGOXQIIX 

The  first  physician  of  Algonquin  was  Dr.  David  Burton,  who  located 
here  in  1844,  and  continued  to  practice  until  his  death,  when  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Dr.  H.  C.  Tenvilliger.  Dr.  Reed  came  in  1850  and  remained 
five  years,  when  Dr.  A.  Hedger  succeeded  him.  Drs.  Winslow,  Hunt, 
Johnston,  William  "Winchester,  Bentley  and  Hait  were  all  engaged  in 
practice  at  Algonquin  for  short  periods  each.  Dr.  Young  was  another 
early  practitioner.  Drs.  William  A.  Nason,  Robinson,  Hill  and  D.  H. 
Merrill  were  also  physicians  who  located  in  Algonquin  during  the 
seventies. 

CARY 

But  little  can  be  learned  of  the  early  doctors  of  this  locality.  P.  J. 
Theobold  is  the  only  physician  practicing  in  this  village  today. 

CHEMUNG 

Doctor  Miller  was  the  first  physician  to  locate  at  Chemung ;  he  came 
in  1848  and  remained  until  1856.  His  successor  was  Dr.  H.  W.  Johnson, 
who  only  remained  a  short  time,  and  then  removed  to  Harvard.  In  1853 
Dr.  B.  A.  Wade  came  to  Chemung,  hut  in  1863  he,  too,  moved  to  Harvard. 
Dr.  Devine  came  in  1862,  but  in  1867  moved  away.    In  1875  Dr.  Chase 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  147 

established  himself  here,  continuing  in  practice  for  many  years.  The 
medical  practice  of  this  community  is  now  attended  to  chiefly  by  physi- 
cians of  Harvard. 

CORAL 

Doctor  Hungerford  came  to  Coral  in  IS.".:!,  moving  to  I'nioii,  the  rail- 
road station,  after  about  three  and  one-half  years.  Dr.  A.  McWright 
came  in  18").");  Dr.  Suiter  in  IS.'ili,  and  Dr.  Snow  in  1S.">S.  Dr.  Klvin 
Briggs  practiced  medicine  here  from  1S40  to  1881.  Dr.  E.  L.  Sheldon 
ami  Dr.  Griffith  were  also  among  the  pioneer  doctors. 

CRYSTAL  LAKE 

The  first  physician  to  practice  at  Crystal  Lake  was  Dr.  Erwin,  who 
came  in  1842  and  remained  until  18">7.  The  second  doctor  was  a  man 
named  Smith;  he  died  while  engaged  in  practice  at  Crystal  Lake.  Drs. 
Beers,  Ballou,  Lowell,  Graves,  Hayes,  Hall  and  Crandall  were  all  among 
the  physicians  who  practiced  here  prior  to  and  just  after  1884. 

GREENWOOD 

The  first  doctor  to  locate  at  the  village  of  Greenwood  was  Doctor 
McCay,  who  was  succeeded  by  Doctor  White,  who  died  while  in  practice. 
Doctor  Ballinger  was  the  third  physician;  he  remained  until  about  1884 
and  was  succeeded  by  Doctor  Hart  and  the  latter  remained  here  for 
many  years  and  was  well  and  favorably  known  and  recognized  as  an 
excellent  doctor. 

HARMONY 

Harmony  was  never  a  village,  simply  a  country  cross-roads  com- 
munity. Here  several  physicians  have  practiced,  but  usually  were  resi- 
dents of  some  near-by  village. 

HARTLAND 

Doctor  Bennett  was  the  earliest  doctor  in  this  place,  and  as  the  years 
have  come  and  gone,  others  have  cared  for  the  ill  of  the  community 
usually  from  Woodstock  or  Harvard. 


lis  BISTORT  OF  .M.  IIKXUY  COUNTT 

HARVARD 

Dr.  II.  W.  Johnson  was  the  first  to  practice  medicine  in  Harvard. 
He  arrived  in  1856,  and  continued  in  active  practice  until  his  death,  about 
twelve  years  later.  The  second  physician  there  was  Dr.  H.  W.  Richard- 
son, hut  after  a  very  few  years  lie  moved  to  Marengo,  where  he  died. 
Dr.  C.  A.  Bingham  was  third  to  enter  tins  field  for  the  purpose  of  prac- 
ticing medicine.  About  the  same  time  Dr.  B.  A.  Wade,  Dr.  A.  C.  Bing- 
ham. II.  T.  Woodward,  ('.  .M.  .Johnson  and  Charles  Goddard  arrived,  and 
some  of  them  remained  for  many  years. 

HEBROX 

« 

Dr.  Royal  Sykes  came  from  Vermont  and  located  in  Hebron  in  1848. 
lie  was  successfully  engaged  in  medical  practice  until  1876,  when  he 
moved  to  Chicago,  Dr.  J.  H.  Giddings  came  here  in  1858,  and  practiced 
until  the  beginning  of  the  Civil  War,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  Union  army. 
His  health  failed  under  exposure,  and  he  returned  to  Hebron,  but  re- 
mained but  a  short  time.  In  the  autumn  of  1865,  Dr.  E.  0.  Gratton  of 
New  York,  settled  in  Hebron,  and  here  he  was  engaged  in  a  successful 
practice  for  many  years.  Dr.  J.  M.  Mansfield,  Dr.  H.  R.  Chesboro,  Dr. 
Alfred  Turner  and  Dr.  Catherine  Slater  all  practiced  medicine  in  Hebron 
prior  to,  and  some  of  them  after,  1883. 

HUNTLEY 

The  first  physician  to  locate  for  the  practice  of  his  profession  in 
Huntley,  was  Doctor  Ainsworth  who  came  in  1S5"_',  but  died  a  few  years 
thereafter  of  cholera,  contracted  while  attending  upon  a  stranger  who 
had  just  arrived  in  the  village.  His  successor  was  Dr.  John  Garrison  and 
his  partner  Doctor  Trough,  both  of  whom  died  soon  after  coming  to  the 
place.  Drs.  Cale,  Perry,  Rodman,  R.  Turner,  A.  Griffith,  Charles  E. 
Cook  and  a  number  of  others  all  practiced  medicine  at  Hebron. 

MC  HENRY 

Being  the  first  county  seat  and  among  the  first  settlements  in  this 
county,  naturally  a  physician  was  found  among  the  pioneer  band  at  Mc- 
Henry.  He  was  also  the  first  to  practice  medicine  in  the  county.  We 
refer  to  Dr.  Christy  G.  Wheeler,  who  soon  left  the  practice  of  his  pro- 


BISTORT  OF  Mi  llKMJV  COUNTY  1  19 

fession  ami  embarked  in  mercantile  business  here.  Dr.  Luke  Hale  was 
his  successor  and  he  in  turn  was  followed  by  Doetor  Bosworth,  who  later 
developed  into  a  merchant.  It  is  said  he  was  a  highly  educated  man  and 
an  excellent  physician,  but  for  some  reason  preferred  a  business  to  ;i 
professional  career.    The  fourth  to  practice  medicine  in  McHenry  was 

Doctor  McAllister.  He  continued  for  four  years,  and  then  moved  to 
Oshkosh,  Wis.  Doetor  Coleman  remained  at  McHenry  four  years,  and 
was  soon  followed  by  Doetor  Flavel,  and  Doetor  Ballon,  who  were  here 
for  the  same  length  of  time.  Doetor  Mellendy  practiced  for  ten  years  and 
went  to  California  where  he  died.  Drs.  H.  T.  Brown,  Polly,  Cavens, 
Beers,  Brown,  Fegers,  Howard  and  Childs  were  all  well-known  physi- 
cians at  McHenry  prior  to  the  nineties,  as  well  as  Doctor  Anderson  now 
of  Woodstock.  .Many  changes  have  been  wrought  out  in  McHenry, 
doctors  have  come  and  gone,  leaving  the  present  practice  in  the  hands  of 
Drs.  A.  I.  Froehlieh,  D.  G.  Wells,  and  X.  .1.  Nye. 

MARENGO 

Dr.  T.  W.  Stull  was  the  first  medical  practitioner  of  Marengo.  Other 
early  and  later  physicians  there  have  been :  Drs.  J.  W.  Green,  S.  C. 
YVeinham,  Edward  L.  Sheldon,  Frederick  L.  Nutt,   and  C.   C.   Miller. 

RICHMOND 

The  first  physician  to  locate  at  Richmond  was  Dr.  S.  Fillmore  Bennett 
who  wrote  the  song  "Sweet  By  and  By."  Physicians  have  practiced 
here  whose  names  are  now  not  readily  recalled  by  the  present  generation 
However,  it  is  known  that  Dr.  Samuel  R.  Ward  and  Dr.  Josiah  Hyde 
were  here  many  years,  and  both  were  excellent  men  and  skilful  physicians. 

WOODSTOCK 

Dr.  Almon  King,  who  settled  at  Woodstock  soon  after  the  founding 
of  the  village,  was  its  first  physician.  Following  him  came  Dr.  Luke 
Coon,  who  arrived  and  entered  the  practice  of  medicine  in  1849,  and 
remained  for  two  years.  Dr.  A.  F.  Hedger  came  to  Woodstock  from 
Algonquin  about  1851,  and  in  1853  Dr.  A.  F.  Merritt  settled  at  the 
county  seat.  Drs.  George  E.  Stone,  D.  C.  Green,  W.  H.  Buck,  V.  B. 
Anderson  and  William  W.  Cook  were  among  the  earlier  physicians  of 
Woodstock. 


150  BISTORT  OF  .M«  IlKNUY  COUNTY 

COMMON  DISORDERS  OF  KAHI.Y    YEARS 

Fever  and  ague  was  the  chief  complaint  in  the  homes  of  pioneers  in 
McHenry,  as  in  almost  all  the  other  western  counties.  Especially  was 
this  true  along  the  valley  of  the  Pox  River.  Aside  from  this  disease, 
there  was  but  little  sickness.  The  early  settlers  were  usually  men  and 
women  of  strong,  robust  bodies  and  had  plenty  of  outdoor  exercise  and 
not  much  rich  food,  hence  were  seldom  ill  enough  to  call  in  a  physician. 
When  anyone  was  very  ill  they  sometimes  feared  to  trust  the  local  doctor, 
who  was  usually  not  the  best  kind  of  a  medical  man  to  say  the  least, 
hence  they  would  send  into  other  counties  to  physicians  on  the  east  side 
of  the  Fox  River.  However,  as  soon  as  the  county  settled  up  and  drains 
were  excavated  so  that  standing  pools  of  filthy  water  could  escape,  the 
fever  and  ague  was  not  seen  to  any  great  extent,  but  this  condition 
lasted  at  least  until  1S"«0,  giving  the  real  pioneer  band  plenty  of  genuine 
"shakes."  The  doctors  who  visited  the  homes  of  Mellenry  County  after 
the  fifties  were'  of  a  superior  type  of  physicians.  They  were  schooled  in 
reputable  colleges  of  medicine  and  were  competent  to  do  both  doctoring 
and  also  act  as  surgeons. 

SIDELIGHTS  ON  EARLY  PHYSICIANS 

Dr.  Christy  0.  Wheeler,  although  not  strictly  speaking  a  physician. 
was  the  first  who  bore  the  title  of  "Dr."  at  the  old  county  seat  of  Mc- 
Henry.  He  was  born  in  Dunbarton,  N.  H.,  in  1811.  His  health  was 
failing  in  his  native  state,  so  he  decided  to  move  with  his  family  to  the 
West,  and  did  so  in  the  fall  of  1836,  his  family  being  the  first  white 
family  to  locate  at  McHenry.  The  following  May,  the  decision  was  made 
fixing  McHenry  as  the  county  seat.  Mr.  Wheeler  paid  $100  for  survey- 
ing the  town  site.  He  purchased  a  small  store  and  had  general  mer- 
chandise, and  was  also  postmaster,  keeping  the  fust  post  office  in  McHenry 
County.  Subsequently,  he  was  recorder  of  deeds,  which  office  he  held 
until  the  time  of  his  death,  March  28,  1842. 

Dr.  V.  B.  Anderson  was  born  in  Girard,  Penn.,  in  1847,  and  accom- 
panied his  parents  to  Woodstock,  111.,  in  1854.  lie  attended  the  public 
schools,  read  medicine  under  Dr.  J.  Xortkrup,  and  then  entered  Rush 
Medical  College,  Chicago,  from  which  institution  he  was  graduated  in 
1871.  For  two  years  he  was  engaged  in  practice  in  Ford  County,  this 
state;  three  years  more  were  spent  in  Buchanan  County,  Iowa,  and  he 
then  located  at  the  village  of  McHenry.  this  county  and  here  remained 


pp* 


& 


fc* 


HISTORY  OF  MiHFXRY  COUNTY  151 

in  practice  till  1883,  when  he  removed  to  Woodstock,  where  he  is  still 
practicing  medicine. 

Dr.  S.  Fillmore  Bennett,  of  Richmond,  was  bom  in  Erie  County. 
X.  Y.,  in  1836,  and  was  brought  to  Illinois  when  two  years  of  age,  by  his 
parents.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  he  commenced  teaching  school 
at  Wauconda,  and  in  1858,  entered  the  University  of  Michigan,  from 
whence  he  came  to  Richmond,  this  county,  to  accept  a  position  as  teacher 
in  the  Richmond  public  schools.  He  was  connected  with  the  newspaper 
business  and  served  as  a  soldier  in  the  Union  army  in  the  Civil  War. 
Subsequently  he  was  graduated  at  Rush  .Medical  College,  Chicago,  in 
1  s?  i,  and  at  once  commenced  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Richmond. 
Por  years  he  was  United  States  pension  examiner  and  surgeon.  At  one 
time  he  was  consul  to  Hamilton.  Canada.  It  was  at  Elkhorn,  Wis., 
that  lie  became  associated  with  J.  P.  Webster,  author  of  that  famous  song 
book  "The  Signet  Ring."  He  was  publisher  of  hundreds  of  excellent 
Bongs  and  hymns.  Doctor  Bennett  composed  "The  Sweet  Bye  and 
Bye,"  and  Mr.  Webster  set  the  words  to  music  and  since  then  it  has  been 
translated  into  many  foreign  languages.  Doubtless  Doctor  Bennett  will 
be  remembered  more  as  a  musical  composer  than  as  a  medical  man,  ex- 
cellent physician  though  he  was. 

Dr.  Horace  W.  Johnson,  deceased,  was  the  first  physician  at  Harvard, 
and  came  to  the  county  in  1856,  when  a  cornfield  marked  the  present  site 
of  Harvard  and  John  Avers  was  the  only  man  living  in  the  vicinity.  Dr. 
Johnson  was  born  in  Xew  York  City,  December  16,  1810.  He  was  grad- 
uated at  Rutgers  College,  Xew  Brunswick,  X.  J.,  and  became  an  excellent 
physician,  practicing  first  in  the  City  of  Xew  York.  In  1836  he  came 
West,  locating  at  Kenosha.  Wis.,  and  there  he  remained  until  he  came 
to  Harvard  where  he  continued  to  practice  medicine  until  his  death,  Feb- 
ruary 24,  1871.  He  was  the  leading  physician  in  this  county  of  his  day. 
His  son,  Dr.  C.  M.  Johnson,  is  a  medical  practitioner  and  conducts  a 
hospital  at  Harvard. 

PHYSICIANS  OF  A  LATER  DATE 

Of  the  regular-school  practitioners  since  1884  may  be  mentioned :  Dr. 
H.  T.  Woodruff,  who  practiced  until  his  death,  at  Harvard ;  Dr.  A.  C. 
Bingham,  who  also  practiced  at  Harvard,  and  died  there  a  few  years 
ago;  Dr.  B.  A.  Wade,  who  practiced  until  his  death,  at  Hot  Springs,  S.  D. 


L52  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

COTTAUK    Hosl'ITAI.    AT    HARVARD 

Cottage  Hospital,  the  firs!  established  in  the  county,  was  of  humble 

Origin,  and  by  many  was  not  looked  upon  with  favor,  hut  its  founder, 
Dr.  C.  M.  Johnson,  one  of  the  oldest  and  leading  physicians  of  the  city 
of  Harvard,  thought  differently,  and  by  his  sagacity  and  skill  he  gained 

recognition  for  it.  and  now  no  one  in,  or  outside  of  Harvard,  has  anything 
but  words  of  praise  for  this  local  hospital. 

The  present  buildings  are  modern  in  all  fittings,  supplied  with  steam 
heat,  electric  lights,  electric  call  hells,  bed-side  telephones,  with  well 
lighted,  airy  rooms  and  wards,  beautiful  private  rooms  and  baths,  suites 
with  bath;  and  has  an  efficient  corps  of  cheerful  trained  nurses,  unsur- 
passed by  those  of  any  institution.  Registered  nurses  are  contantly  in 
charge,  A  well-equipped  operating  room  done  in  tile,  glass  and  enamel, 
with  wash  and  private  rooms  in  connection,  is  equal  to  that  of  any  large 
city  hospital.  The  real  homelike  air  and  the  genuine  courtesy  and  con- 
sideration accorded  near  relatives  of  the  sick,  have  added  materially  to 
the  hosts  of  friends  of  this  institution. 

The  founder  and  present  proprietor,  Doctor  Johnson,  is  a  son  of  the 
first  physician  who  practiced  medicine  in  Harvard,  and  he  himself  has 
practiced  here  for  more  than  forty  years.  In  eases  where  the  patients 
are  too  poor  to  pay  for  services,  necessary  aid  is  given  them  if  they  are 
certified  to  by  proper  people  in  their  home  towns. 

A  nurses'  "training  school"  is  also  connected  with  the  hospital. 
Any  reputable  physician  may  bring  his  patients  here  for  treatment  or 
operation,  and  have  complete  charge  of  his  own  cases.  The  attending 
physicians  are:  N.  M.  Percy,  M.  D.,  Chicago;  E.  E.  Irons,  M.  D., 
Chicago;  W.  II.  .McDonald.  M.  D,  Lake  Geneva.  Wis.;  II.  D.  Hull.  M.  D.; 
W.  C.  Richardson,  M.  D.;  Charles  C.  Peek,  M.  D.;  H.  D.  Eaton,  M.  D.; 
G.  W.  Curless,  M.  D.  The  attending  physicians  are:  C.  M.  Johnson, 
M.  I).,  surgeon-in-chief j  G.  W.  Foddard,  M.  D.,  surgeon  C.  &  X.  W. 
Railroad  Company;  X.  L.  Seelye.  M.  D.,  ear,  eye,  nose  and  throat.  Helen 
E.  Johnson,  1\.  M.,  is  superintendent,  and  Emma  Fraase,  R.  X.,  is  super- 
intendent of  nurses. 

WOODSTOCK   HOSPITAL  ASSOCIATION 

In  1906  there  was  a  private  hospital  established  in  the  city  of  Wood- 
stock by  Dr.  J.  E.  Guy,  and  he  continued  to  operate  it  until  1912,  when 
it  was  taken  over  by  Dr.  Hyde  West,  who  also  conducted  it  as  a  private 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  153 

hospital  until  1914,  when  the  Woodstock  Public  Hospital  Association 
was  formed  and  incorporated.  This  association  took  over  the  manage- 
incut  ami  converted  this  private  hospital  into  a  public  hospital.  It  was 
originally  on  Clay  Street,  but  in  1915  was  moved  to  West  South  Street, 
where  the  old  homestead  of  the  late  Judge  Murphy  was  purchased  and 
remodeled  for  modern  hospital  work. 

This  hospital  accommodates  fifteen  patients  and  the  present  officers 
of  the  association  arc:  Kcv.  Roger  Kaufman,  president;  Dr.  G.  E. 
Wright,  vice-president  ;  Dr.  ('.  F.  Baccus,  secretary;  Dr.  E.  Windmueller, 
treasurer;  and  the  board  of  directors  is  as  follows:  Floyd  E.  Eckerl 
(attorney).  Dr.  B.  Windmueller,  Dr.  W.  M.  Freeman,  Dr.  C.  F.  Baccus, 
Dr.  N.  L.  Seelye,  Dr.  II.  M.  Francis,  L.  T.  Hoy,  and  Mayor  S.  E.  Olm- 
stead.     The  superintendent  is  Miss  Ethel  Hunt,  R.  N. 

This  hospital  is  a  great  accommodation  for  all  surgical  and  medical 
cases  in  the  vicinity  of  Woodstock.  It  is  located  in  a  beautiful,  quiet  and 
attractive  part  of  the  city,  away  from  the  noise  and  unpleasant  sur- 
roundings found  nearer  the  city's  center. 

PRESENT  PHYSICIANS 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  physicians  practicing  in  McIIenry 
County : 

Algonquin — Martin  II.  Hubrig. 

Crystal  Lake— Harry  I).  Hull,  George  H.  Pflueger,  William  II. 
Rupert. 

Harvard — Charles  W.  (ioddard,  Howard  D.  Eaton,  J.  W.  Groesbeck, 
C.  M.  Johnson,  Charles  C.  Peck,  Henry  J.  Schmid,  Norman  L.  Seelye, 
Jesse  G.  Maxon. 

Woodstock— C.  F.  Baccus,  H.  C.  Than,  William  Hyde  West,  Glen 
Will  Wright,  Emil  Windmueller,  William  M.  Freeman,  E.  V.  Anderson, 
A.  F.  King. 

Marengo — Rozel  M.  Curtis.  Walter  s.  Eshbaugh,  G.  Watson  Fowler. 
William  V.  Gooder,  Spencer  C.  Wernham,  W.  J.  C.  Casely. 

Richmond— Walter  E.  Foster,  Samuel  R.  Ward,  C.  W.  Klontz. 

Heliron— Edward  V.  Brown,  C.  W.  Bailey. 

Huntley— Oliver  I.  Statler.  Arthur  W.  DeVry. 

.McIIenry — Charles  H.  Fegers,  A.  J.  J.  Froelich,  N.  J.  Nye,  David 
C.  Wells. 

Ringwood — W.  Hepburn. 

Spring  Grove — John  C.  Furlong. 


i;,i  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Can-   Station— Frank  John   Theobald. 
Johnsburg — Arnold  P.  Mueller. 
Union — Phineas  Renie. 

MEDICAL   SOCIETY 

The  McHenry  County  Medical  Society  was  organized  at  Woodstock  in 
1910.  Its  first  officers  were:  president,  Dr.  C.  M.  Johnson,  Hanard; 
secretary  and  treasurer,  Dr.  John  F.  Guy,  "Woodstock.  The  present 
officers  are:  president,  Dr.  E.  Windmueller,  Woodstock;  secretary  and 
treasurer,  Dr.  Howard  D.  Eaton,  Han-ard. 

There  are  at  present  about  forty-two  physicians  in  the  county,  and 
of  this  number  all  but  seven  are  members  of  this  society.  This  society 
meets  at  various  places  within  the  county,  each  month,  and  at  times  has 
open  meetings  to  which  anyone  is  welcome. 


CHAPTER  XI 
JOURNALISM 

By  Charles  F.  Renich 

FIRST  NEWSPAPER — ILLINOIS  RE1MHLICAN —  WOODSTOCK  hi  Mm  I;  \T — WOOD- 
STOCK SENTINEL  Woodstock  CITIZEN — ANTI-MONOPOLIST— NEW  BRA 
— MC  HENRY  COUNTY  DEMOCRAT — Woodstock  AMERICAN  —  MC  HENRY 
PLAINDEALER — MARENGO  REPUBLICAN  MEWS — CRYSTAL  LAKE  HERALD 
— HARVARD  HERALD — HARVARD  INDEPENDENT  -HEBRON  TRIBUNE — RICH 
MOXD  GAZETTE. 

FIRST   NEWSPAPER 

The  6rsl  newspaper  to  be  issued  in  this  county  was  the  Illinois  Re 
publican,  published  al  Woodstock,  in  184G,  by  Josiah  Dwight.  This 
paper  was  continued  under  various  aames  and  with  several  suspensions 
for  ten  years,  Mr.  Dwight  continuing  as  its  editor,  but  in  1856  the  name 
was  changed  to  the  Woodstock  Sentinel.  Jn  1854  the  paper  was  called 
t  he  Republican  Free-Press. 

OTHER  EARLY  Woodstock  PUBLICATIONS 

The  Woodstock  Democrat  was  the  second  paper  started  in  the  county. 
It  was  issued  until  185(5,  in  the  interests  of  the  Democratic  party,  its 
editor  being  V.  I).  Austin,  a  vm-v  able  editorial  writer. 

M.  I.,  -loslyu  and  E.  W.  Smith  founded  the  Woodstock  Argus  in  the 
spring  of  1856,  and  with  its  entrance  into  the  field  of  journalism,  the 
Democrat  passed  out  of  existence,  the  stock  being  bought  op  by  the  new 
firm.  The  Argus  was  later  absorbed  by  the  Free-Press,  hut  in  turn  it 
was  ahsorhed  hy  the  Woodstock  Sentinel,  in  July,  1857,  a  .Mr.  EdBOD 
then  being  its  proprietor. 

Mi-.  Austin,  after  the  purchase  of  the  Argus,  revived  the  Woodstock 
Democrat,  and  published  it  from  August,  1S5S,  to  July.  185!),  when  it 
again  fell  by  the  wayside,  thus  leaving  McIIenry  County  with  but  one 

155 


156  HISTORY  OF  MoHENRY  COUNTY 

newspaper.   The    Democrats,   however,  desiring   an   organ   during   the 

campaign  of  lMiO,  revived  the  journal,  and  ii  was  continued  until  L862, 
James  L.  .Martin  becoming  its  editor  in  October,  1860.  With  its  passage 
from  the  history  of  journalism  in  McHenry  County  in  1862,  its  demise 
was  final. 

WOODSTOCK  si.vriM  l. 

The  firsl  editors  of  the  Sentinel  were  Q.  L.  Wehb,  and  T.  K.  Johnson, 

and  the  first  issue  bore  the  date  of  July  17,  1856.  The  owners  were  an 
association   of   Republicans  who   recognized   the  necessity  of  a  Btrong 

organ  of  their  party  to  educate  the  people  in  the  principles  of  their  plat- 
form. Mr.  Webb  sold  his  interest  in  the  paper  October  9,  1856,  and 
Mr.  Johnson  was  the  sole  proprietor.  Be  made  Josiah  Dwighl  his  editor, 
and  the  paper  was  intensely  partisan.  Iii  April,  1857,  J.  W.  Franks 
iV.  Son  became  the  proprietors  hut  .Mr.  Dwighl  continued  as  editor  in 
charge.  Another  change  was  effected  with  the  purchase  of  the  paper  in 
November,  Ls.'iS,  by  Abraham  K.  and  William  E.  Smith,  who  edited  it  as 
well.  In  lMiL'.  the  junior  member  of  the  firm  went  into  the  ranks  of  the 
Union  Army,  leaving  Abraham  E.  Smith  in  sole  charge.  The  Sentinel 
obtained  possession  on  December  1,  1862,  of  the  KfcBJenry  County  Union 

thai  had  been  published  for  about  a  year,  and  was  owned  by  J.  II.  Holder. 
Iii  January,  lMili,  Mr.  Smith  sold  to  Frank  M.  Sapp  and  George  B. 
Richardson,  and  in  February  of  that  year  the  size  was  changed  from 
a  seven-column  folio  to  nine  columns.  Once  more  the  paper  changed 
hands,  William  E.  Smith  becoming  its  proprietor  and  editor.  (!.  S. 
Southworth  bought  the  paper  April  1st.  1*72,  and  enlarged  it  to  a  seven- 
column  quarto,  with  "patent  insides."  In  May.  1  .^7:{.  the  paper  was 
changed  to  a  six-column  quarto,  J.  Van  Slyke  being  then  associate  editor 
for  five  years.  On  June  5,  1879,  B.  T.  Glennon  purchased  a  half  in- 
terest, and  the  firm  became  Southworth  &  Glennon.  Prom  that  date  on 
the  various  changes  have  been   as   follows: 

On  January  1.  1891.  a  corporation  was  formed  which  purchased  the 
paper.  This  corporation  was  called  the  Woodstock  Sentinel  Company; 
L.  T.  Hoy,  president  and  manager  ;  Judge  ('.  II.  Donnelly,  vice-president; 
E.  ('.  Jewett,  treasurer,  and  E.  T.  Glennon,  since  a  prominent  capitalist 
of  Chicago.  Charles  A.  Lemmers  was  local  editor  and  foreman  of  the 
office.  The  active  management  of  the  plant  continued  under  Mr.  Hoy 
as  manager  and  Mr.  Lemmers  as  local  editor  for  about  twelve  years  until 
November.  1902. 


HISTORY  OF  McIIEXKY  COUNTY  157 

After  .Mr.  Lemmers  lefl  the  Sentinel  in  190'J,  the  paper  had  various 
editors  daring  the  aea)  few  years,  among  the  number  being  Walter  T. 
Wl ler  and  I.  C.  Wells. 

In  1906  the  Sentinel  Company  purchased  the  local  German  paper 
<ailr,l  Das  Volkshlatt,  which  was  established  in  Woodstock  in  1885  by 
Fred  Kenieli.  After  the  deatb  of  Mr.  Renich  in  1890,  the  publication 
was  continued  by  bis  sons,  Charles  P.  and  Pred  L.  Renich.  Later,  Ernest 
P.  I-'ues.  now  assistant  cashier  of  the  American  National  Hank,  became 

the  editor  and  manager,  lint  the  ownership  remained  with  the  Renich 
estate,  until  its  sale  to  the  Sentinel  Company.  The  Volkshlatt  was  a 
prosperous  newspaper  Eor  many  years  and  at  one  time  had  a  circulation 
of  1  ">(>()  subscribers.  With  the  acquiring  of  the  plant  and  business  of 
Das  Volkshlatt,  Charles  P.  Renich,  then  postmaster  at  Woodstock,  he- 
came  editor  and  manager  of  botli  the  Sentinel  and  Volkshlatt,  hut  the 
latter  publication  was  discontinued  in  August,  1916. 

With  the  purchase  of  the  German  paper  by  the  Sentinel  Company, 
the  capital  of  the  corporation  was  increased  from  $6,000  to  $12,000.  The 
stock  was  widely  distributed  by  sale  among  the  prominent  men  of  the 
community,  the  records  of  the  company  showing  the  following  names  as 
stockholders,  on  January  1.  1906:  L.  T.  Hoy,  Judge  C.  II.  Donnelly, 
E.  C.  Jewett,  E.  T.  Glennon  (Chicago),  Charles  F.  Renich,  G.  E.  Still. 
R.  J.  Beatty,  E5.  B.  Losee,  G.  F.  Rushton,  Fred  G.  Schuett,  A.  K. 
Bunker,  F.  A.  Walters,  W.  S.  Thorne,  A.  S.  Wright,  E.  J.  Heimerdinger, 
J.  M.  Hoy,  S.  L.  Hart,  The...  llamer,  W.  S.  McConnell,  G.  W.  Conn,  Jr., 
I  Mto  E.  Seiler,  .lames  p.  ( 'asey,  Judge  D.  T.  Smiley,  Emil  Arnold,  George 
L.  Murphy,  1).  P.  Quinlan,  A.  J.  Dietz,  W.  T.  Wheeler.  L.  T.  Hoy,  was 
elected  president,  Judge  Donnelly  vice-president,  Theo.  EEamer,  Secre 
tary,  E.  C.  Jewett  treasurer  and  Charles  P.  Renich,  editor  and  manager. 
With  the  passing  of  years  the  above  stockholders  all  sold  their  stock  to 
Mr.  Renich,  the  editor. 

In  1916  Editor  Renich  and  others  associated  with  him  purchased  tie' 
Woodstock  Republican,  ami  in  1917  the  subscription  list  and  hiisiiicss 
of  the  Republican  was  merged   with  the  Sentinel. 

Woodstock  Daily  Sentinel.  McIIcnry  County's  first  daily  newspaper, 
was  established   by   Charles   P.   Renich.   as  editor  and   publisher,   August 

l':;,  1921.  The  Dailj  Sentinel  started  as  the  little  brother  to  Hi,'  weekly 
Sentinel,  which  has  been  published  continuously  since  1S56.  From  the 
very  beginning  the  daily  received  a  hearty  welcome  by  the  people  of 
Woodstock  and  vicinity,  present  indications  are  that  the  daily  will  soon 
_■  brother  eventually  outstripping-the  weekly  in  size. 


158  BISTORT  OF  M.  BENRY  COUNTY 

J.  \V.  Dyer,  Formerly  of  Mount  Carmel,  Illinois,  an  experienced  daily 
aewspaper  man.  is  city  editor  and  with  the  hearty  co-operation  of  the 
publisher  and  the  entire  organization  of  the  Sentinel  plant,  ia  putting 
(nit  a  newspaper  with  which  the  people  of  Woodstock  and  McHenry 
County  are  well  pleased.  The  Daily  is  receiving  libera]  support  from 
the  merchants,  is  filled  cacti  day  with  the  day's  news,  and  bids  certain  to 
l  ii   ii  success. 

On  April  1.  1919.  the  capital  stock  of  the  \V Istoek  Sentinel  Com 

pany  was  increased  from  +1 JJHIO  to  $l>.u()i>.  The  irross  husiness  trans- 
acted for  1920  was  $34,000.    The  equipmenl  of  the  plant  consists  of  two 

linotypes.  ids  .")  ami  8,  two  two-revolution  presses,  two  jobbers,  one 

equipped   with   .Miller  automatic  self -f Ii <r)    stitching  machine  and 

punching  machine,  dust-proof  type  cabinets,  large  quantities  of  new  job 
and  advertising  type,  and  everything  else  needed  or  useful  in  an  up-to- 
date  country  newspaper  office.  Although  only  printing  a  twelve-page 
weekly  paper,  the  company  is  mechanically  prepared  to  launch  a  daily 
paper  at  any  time  the  company  consider  the  field  will  warrant  such  a 
venture.  The  property  is  under  the  personal  management  of  Charles 
P.   Kenieli.  president  of  the  company  and  editor. 

In  1916  editor  Renich  received  the  award  and  prize  money  for  the 
best  "first-page"  newspaper  in  Illinois,  the  same  being  given  by  the 
department  of  Journalism  in  the  Illinois  University. 

until!  NEWSPAPERS 

The  Woodstock  Citizen  was  issued  in  1873,  hut  it  was  published  only 
a  part  of  a   year. 

The  Franklin  Printing  Company  of  Chicago  founded  a  paper  issued 
in  the  interest  of  the  Orange  movement,  at  Woodstock,  and  named  it  the 
Anti-Monopolist.  Its  first  issue  bore  date  of  October,  1873.  and  on 
November  6,  187:5,  the  Sentinel  made  notice  of  its  demise. 

Another  Orange  organ  was  the  New  Era,  founded  on  Thanksgiving 
Day.  is?:!,  under  the  management  of  Ringland  &  Price,  the  latter  a 
clergyman,  being  the  chief  organizer.  In  a  short  time  he  left  the  manage- 
ment, and  in  February,  1874,  W.  1).  Ringland  became  its  sole  proprietor. 
Later,  it  embraced  the  doctrines  of  the  Greenback  party,  and  still  later, 
like  all  of  that  class  of  mushroom  newspapers,  espoused  the  cause  of 
the  then  dominant  political  party,  and  the  "loaves  and  fishes"  there 
might  be  in  it,  thus  it  became  a  Republican  paper.  In  1876,  it  suspended 
publication,  for  a  time,  hut  was  resumed  later  in  the  year.     In  October. 


£> 


&a 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 


159 


1878,  .Mr.  Ringland  mqved  the  plant  to  Elgin,  111.,  and  soon  thereafter 

suspended  publication.     Again  he  resumed  publication  al    W Istock, 

Inn  in  March,  1880,  the  planl  was  destroyed  by  fire.    The  subscription 
lisl  was  then  sold  to  the  Sentinel. 


\H    in  \i;\    COUNTS    DEMOCR  VI 


lii  April,  \>11.  the  McHenry  County  Democral  came  into  existence, 
being  established  by  A.  K.  Bradbury,  and  it  passed  into  the  hand's  of 
John  A.  and  M.  C.  Dufield,  in  October  of  thai  year.  On  Augusl  12,  1882, 
.M.  c.  Dufield  retired,  Leaving  -1(11111  A.  Dufield  as  sole  proprietor.  Among 
ilir  early  employes  of  the  Democrat  under  Mr.  Dufield  were  M.  P.  Walsh, 
who  in  December,  1877,  founded  the  Harvard  Herald  and  whose  career 
i>  covered  in  another  paragraph.  Another  employe  was  Charles  A. 
Lemmers,  who  for  many  years  afterwards,  was  destined  to  play  an 
important  pari  in  the  newspaper  activities  of  the  community.  Mr. 
Lemmers  became  local  editor  of  the  Democrat,  which  at  thai  time  was 
an  influential  factor  in  the  political  affairs  of  its  party  in  the  northeastern 
counties  of  Illinois.  On  .January  1,  1891,  Mr.  Lemmers  left  the  Demo- 
crat, taking  up  a  similar  position  with  the  Sentinel,  the  opposing 
Republican  newspaper.  The  Democrat  continued  under  Mr.  Dufield 's 
ownership,  with  several  changes  among  its  editors,  until  Mr.  Dufield 's 
appointment  as  postmaster  at  Woodstock,  under  President  Cleveland's 
second  administration.  At  aboul  that  time  John  W.  Metzger  took  charge 
of  the  paper  and  conducted  it  successfully  until  1902.  At  the  present 
time  .Mr.  Metzger  is  employed  with  the  Sentinel. 

In  November,  1902,  Charles  A.  Lemmers  left  the  Sentinel  and  asso- 
ciated himself  with  seven  other  men:  C.  P.  Barnes,  P.  B.  Bennett,  P.  R. 
Jackman,  V.  S.  Lumley,  -lames  P.  Casey,  D.  R.  Joslyn  and  George  L. 
.Murphy,  in  the  purchase  of  the  Democrat  from  John  A.  Dufield.  They 
changed  the  name  to  the  Woodstock  Republican.  With  this  change  the 
Democratic  party  l">-t  its  only  newspaper  in  this  part  of  Illinois.  .Mr. 
Lemmer's  co-partners  gradually  sold  out  until  the  ownership  of  the 
paper  was  virtually  in  his  hands.  In  1913  Mr.  Lemmers  was  compelled 
to  relinquish  the  management  mi  account  of  ill  health  and  removed  to 
Colorado  where  he  has  since  resided,  and  is  now  secretary  to  Governor 
Shoop.  W.  IP  Simpson  took  charge  of  the  Republican  when  .Mr.  Lemmers 
left  it.  and  a  year  later  the  paper  was  sold  to  George  W.  Conn,  Jr.,  Mr. 
Simpson  continuing  as  manager. 

In    December,    1916,    the    property    was    purchased    by    Charles    P. 


160  HISTORY  OF  MoHENRY  COUNTY 

Renicfa  and  Theo.  Earner  and  April  1,  1  *  *  1 T.  the  Sentinel  and  the 
Republican  were  combined  under  one  management  by  the  Sentinel 
Company,  both  papers  being  continued  for  a  number  of  months  until 
January  1,  1919,  when  the  uame  Republican  was  dropped. 

WiHiliSTuCK    AMERICAS 

This  is  the  latest  newspaper  publication  in  the  county.  It  was 
established  in  1918  by  Al  K.  Bock,  of  Random  Lake,  Wis.,  and  James 
E.  Brown,  of  Sauk  Center.  .Minn.,  assisted  by  prominent  Woodstock 
men.  It  is  a  well-printed,  ably-edited  weekly  paper  which  seeks  to 
gather  and  print  all  of  the  important  news  of  the  county.  Its  up-to-date 
office  is  opposite  the  City  Building.  Its  first  issue  was  run  from  the 
presses  -May  31,  1918.  In  October  of  that  year  Mr.  IJrown  withdrew 
and  is  now  publishing  a  weekly  paper  at  Walker,  Minn.  The  American's 
plant  is  equipped  with  excellent  and  thoroughly  up-to-date  machinery. 
The  subscription  rate  is  $2.00  per  year  iu  advance.  Al  S.  Hock  is  the 
present  editor  and  manager.  This  newspaper  is  of  the  seven-column 
eight  page  quarto  class. 

lie  HENRY   JOURNALISM 

The  McHenry  Plaindealer  was  established  August  4.  1S7:>.  by  J.  Van 
Slyke,  an  early-day  newspaper  man  of  this  county.  It  was  launched  in 
the  interest  of  the  Republican  party,  and  was  later  purchased  and  con- 
ducted by  a  company  which  had  for  its  president  the  now  retired  banker. 
James  B.  Perry.  This  company  sold  the  plant  to  the  present  owner, 
November  1,  1906,  and  since  thai  date  the  Plaindealer  has  been  published 
and  edited  by  F.  (!.  Schreiner.  In  size  and  form  it  is  an  eight-page  paper 
and  is  half  home  and  half  "patent"  print  and  is  published  in  a  leased 
building.  Its  circulation  is  largely  in  McHenry,  Johnsburg,  Ringwood, 
Volo,  Spring  Grove,  Solon  Mills  and  Terra  Cotta.  It  has  a  subscription 
rate  of  +'_>.iiil  per  year  in  advance.  Its  publication  day  is  Thursday.  The 
equipment  of  the  office,  newspaper1  and  job  department,  is  a  lit  by  15 
Chandler  &  Price  jobber ;  a  24  inch  paper  cutter,  hand  stapler.  Cranston 
cylinder  press,  a  No.  1")  Mergenthaler  linotype  and  the  whole  is  operated 

by  electric  motor.  Let  it  be  said  of  the  Plaindealer  that  its  name 
indicates    its   style.       It     is    a    clean    local     paper    which    strives    m    every 

possible  way  to  build  up  the  interest  of  the  community  in  which  it  is 
published. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  163 

m  w;i  NGO   i;i:itiii.!ca.\-m;\vs 

The  only  newspaper  now  published  a1  the  thriving  city  of  Marengo  is 
the  Republican-News.  This  paper  is  a  combination  of  the  old  Republican 
ami  the  News  and  has  in  brief  the  following  history  ■  In  lsiiT  the  Repub- 
lican was  established  by  J.  B.  Babcock,  an  able  writer  and  publisher  and 
a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War.  The  same  continued  until  1!I0(J  when  both 
the  News  and  the  Republican  were  purchased  by  the  Republican-News 
Company,  with  Charles  Scofield  as  editor  and  principal  owner.  Charles 
Scofield  purchased  the  News  in  1896  from  M.  C.  Dufield. 

In  the  summer  of  1919  Mr.  Scofield  sold  the  paper  to  Albert  I.. 
Johnson,  who  had  previously  been  associated  with  the  Sentinel  at  Wood- 
stock, as  manager  of  the  job  printing  department.  -Mrs.  Albert  L. 
Johnson  has  personal  charge  of  the  editorial  and  news  department,  while 
.Mr.  Johnson  looks  after  the  business  ami  mechanical  department.  Mrs. 
Johnson  is  a  gifted  writer,  ami  had  seven  years'  experience  in  newspaper 
work  as  associate  editor  of  the  Sentinel. 

This  is  a  Republican  newspaper  of  the  seven-column  quarto  style.  It 
has  six  page  home  and  two  pages  of  "patent"  print.  Its  circulation  is 
largely  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  county.  Its  subscription  rate  is 
$2.00  per  year;  its  publication  day  is  Thursday:  the  power  for  running 
the  machinery  of  the  printery  is  electric.  The  equipment  includes  a 
Model  8  Linotype,  Potter  and  Gordon  presses,  folder,  etc.  The  Repub- 
lican-News  is  a  bright,  snappy  and  clean  home  paper,  giving  all  the  news 
id'  the  community  in  which  it  is  published,  that  is  suitable  for  insertion 
in  a  high  class  local  newspaper. 

Marengo  had  a  newspaper  as  carls-  as  ISo'J,  in  which  year  the 
Marengo  Journal  was  established.  It  was  continued  for  five  years  by 
Edward  Burnside,  and  suspended  in  1857.  It  was  succeeded  by  the 
Marengo  Weekly  Press,  but  it  too.  passed  out  of  existence  in  a  few  years. 

In  1S67  (one  account  states)  the  Marengo  Republican  was  first 
published,  although  the  plant  was  located  at  Iielvidere.  being  moved 
to  Marengo  in  May.  lSfiS,  when  1).  ('.  Potter  was  its  editor.  In  the  same 
year  J.  B.  Babcock  became  its  editor,  and  continued  to  hold  that  position 
for  many  years.  A  large  job  office  was  opened  when  the  paper  was 
moved  to  Marengo.  The  subsequent  history  id'  this  paper  has  already 
been   shown   above. 

NUNDA    NEW8PAPJ  Bfi 

Before  Crystal  Lake  had  taken  the  field  of  journalism  in  the  south- 
eastern part  of  McIIenry  County,  the  town  was  styled  Xunda  and   had 


162  HISTORY  OF  McIIKNRY  COUNTY 

Beveral  experiences  with  newspapers  and  among  these  early  journals 
are:  the  Nunda  Berald,  established  in  July,  1880,  by  I.  M.  Mallqry;  the 
Weekly  Advocate,  established  in  November,  1883,  by  .M.  C.  Dufield,  as  a 
neutral  organ,  bul  in  1884  il  became  the  advocate  o£  the  principles  of 
the  Prohibition  party,  ami  Rev.  ('eorge  K.  Hoover  of  W'ooilstock  assumed 
the  editorial  duties.  It  was  not  many  years  before  these  newspapers 
ceased  to  exist,  doubtless  having  partly  tilled  the  high  mission  for  which 

they  wen-  established. 

NEWSPAPER  OP   HARVARD 

The  city  of  Harvard,  has  been  the  home  of  excellent  local  aewspapers 
from  its  earliest  days.  The  Harvard  Herald  was  founded  December  23, 
1  s.sT,  !>y  M.  K.  Walsh.  It  has  been  owned  and  published  continuously 
by  -Mr.  Walsh  and  P.  E.  Whittleton  ever  since  it  was  established  about 
a  third  of  a  eentury  ago!  At  present  its  form  and  size  is  that  of  an  eighl 
and  ten  page,  seven  column  paper.  It  is  handsomely  printed  on  electric 
motor  power  propelled  presses  and  is  issued  each  Thursday  at  a  sub- 
scription rate  of  $2.00  a  year,  strictly  in  advance.  It  has  a  g I  circula- 
tion iii  Harvard  and  surrounding  territory.     It  was  the  first  newspaper 

within   McHenry   County  to  discard   the  use  of  "patent"*  print   and   has 

long  sine.'  been  an  all-home-print  newspaper.  Its  equipment  is  strictly 
modern  as  its  pages  testify.  The  office  is  within  a  handsome  building 
erected  by  .Mr.  Walsh  expressly  for  a  newspaper  office.  With  Mr.  Walsh 
as  its  founder  and  present  editor,  it  noes  almost  without  saying  that  the 
Herald  is  a  Republican  newspaper. 

"One  star  differeth  from  another,"  and  the  same  is  true  of  news- 
papers whether  published  in  the  city  or  country  towns.  The  Herald 
is  an  exceptionally  well  edited,  well  managed,  mechanically  perfect  and 
clean  local  newspaper  of  which  any  community  may  well  he  proud.  Not 
alone  does  it  stand  bigh  in  McHenry  County  as  a  lirst  class  journal,  hut 

abroad  it  is  appreciated  as  will  he  seen  by  the  following  production  of 

an  article  which  appeared  in  the  organ  of  the  Department  of  Journalism 
for  the  Ohio  University,  the  same  being  a  photo-letter: 

HARVARD   INDEPENDENT  , 

The  Independent  at  Harvard  was  established  in  1866,  just  at  the  end 
of  the  great  Civil  War.  by  Rev.  II.  V.  Reed  and  Don  McLaughlin.  It  had 
many  owners  within  a  decade  from  1S70  to  1SMI.  Among  those  who 
owned  and  conducted  it  were  J.  C.  I'dake.  George  H.  White.  A.  M.  Leland 


BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  163 


AMERICAN  ASSOCIATION  OF  TEACHERS   OF  JOURNALISM 


Juu*nr  23.    \9\->. 

Mr.    -.    F.    laden, 

President.  Harvard  Herald  Coapany, 

Harvard,    111. 

leer  Kr.  Vftlah: 

Tbs  Harvard  Herald   la  the  best  country  newspaper  X  hare 
ever    ciulntd.      1    can   eay   that   without   any  quel  If icatlen.      By  a 
country  newepeper  1  aeen  on*  that   X*  published  but   once  a  week 
in  a  comparatively  email  coamunlty. 

At    one   tin*    I    edited   a  country  newspaper   In  western 
weeblngton  which  is  today  regarded  as  eoe  of  the  noet   creditable 
weekly  newepapere  In  the  weet.      Because  of  Its  clean  typographical 
appearanoe.    our  newspaper  gained  national  recognition.      X   shall 
be  glad  to  obtain  a  copy  of  this  paper  for  you. 

The  Harvard   Herald   appeals   to  Be  because   of   Its   clean, 
typographical  appearance,    Its  splendid  makeup.    Ite  excellent 
ad   makeup  and   lastly  beoauee   of  the  high  quality  and    clean 
character  of  your  advertisements.      If  the  people  of  Harvard 
are  cot   giving  you  their  unqualified  aupport-.a  study  of  your 
advertising  columns  would  le*dAto  believe  that   they  are--then 
there  Is  indeed   something  wrong  somewhere.      A  newspaper   euoh 
as  yours  ought  to  be  regarded  as  the  town's  principal  asset. 

I  am  going  to  send  the  copies  of  the  Herald  which  you 
sent  to  as.  to  friends  of  mine  who  are  teaching  classes  in 
country  Journalism  in  some  of  the  state  universities. 

1  would  be  indebted  to  you  if  at   some  time  you  would 
write   to  me  and  let  as  know  something  about  your  town.    Its 
population,   what   opposition  you  have,   how  far  are  you  from  a 
large  city,   do  city  newspapers  oome  into  your  town,   how  many  men 
do  you  employ  and   how  large  a  plant  have  you. 

Vith  all  £cod   wishes. 

Tours  cordially. 


teX&. 


164  BISTORY  OF  .\|.  HKXKY  COUNTY 

N.  B.  Burtch,  G.  W.  Hanna  &  Son,  < ».  M.  Eastman,  Emerson  and  Saund 
era,  and  M.  J.  Emerson. 

It  is  1 1 1 1 w  ;i  seven-column  quarto,  all  home-print.  It  is  run  from 
presses  propelled  by  an  electric  motor.  Its  publication  day  is  on  Thurs- 
day ol  each  week,  and  the  yearlj  subscription  rate  is  $2.00.  Its  circu- 
lation   is    mostly    in    Harvard    ami    surrounding    towns    and    country. 

Politically,  the  Independenl  is  Republican.    Tl See  is  fully  equipped 

with  modern  machinery,  such  as  a  two-revolution  Potter  job  and  news- 
paper press;  three  Chandler  &  Price  Gordon  printing  presses,  cadi 
equipped  with  the  Kimble  motors;  a  33-inch  Chandler  &  Price  paper 
cutter,  riewesl  style  stapling  machine,  etc.  In  every  detail  the  Inde- 
pendenl is  fitted  i"  'In  almosl  any  kind  of  job  work  thai  may  come  to  its 
office. 

Concerning  some  of  the  men  who  have  helped  to  make  the  Independent 
what  it  is  today  the  following  may  be  recalled  bj  the  older  men  of  the 
community : 

George  II.  White,  now  a  Chicago  lawyer,  was  city  prosecutor  during 
the  administration  of  .Mayor  Fred  Busse;  A.  M.  Leland,  was  an  old 
time  printer  who  passed  away  iii  Woodstock  a  few  years  ago;  N.  B. 
Burtch,  who  was  a  Civil  War  soldier  and  deeply  interested  in  politics, 
died  in  recent  years;  O.  M.  Eastman,  an  eastern  printer,  learned  his 
trade  in  Boston  and  formerly  edited  a  paper  in  Fairbury.  111.;  Rev. 
II.  V.  Reed,  founder  of  the  Independent,  was  father  of  the  late  .Myrtle 
Reed  McCulloch,  the  poet  and  writer:  Lon  McLaughlin,  who  was  prom- 
inent iii  state  polities;  and  J.  C.  Blake,  who  was  a  manufacturer  and 
real-estate  man. 

CRYSTAL   LAKE   JOURNALISM 

The  Crystal  Lake  Herald  was  established  in  1876  as  the  Nunda 
Herald,  by  I.  M.  Mallory,  who  conducted  it  till  1898.  The  next  proprietor 
was  .1.  V.  Beatty  who  owned  and  operated  the  plant  until  his  death. 
June  11.  1912,  after  which  it  was  edited  and  managed  by  Frank  LaTulip, 
for  the  widow  until  July.  1913,  when  it  was  purchased  by  L.  W.  Cobb 
and  A.  M.  Shelton  who  ran  the  paper  until  August,  1915,  after  which 
.Mr.    Cobb   continued   alone    until    the    Herald    Publishing    Company    was 

incorporated  with  I..  W.  Cobb  as  presidenl  and  general  manager. 

It  is  a  Republican  organ,  runs  eight  pages,  seven  columns  to  the  page, 
22-inch  column.  The  plant  is  equipped  with  a  CottereU  cylinder. 
Chandler  and  Price  jobber;  also  a  Pearl  paper  cutter  and  best  of  all  the 


yrc^nre^xJ.  «6W^£e    l/^Jfa&/ 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  165 

Mergenthaler  linotype.  The  office  also  has  a  practical  Colder  and  oilier 
machinery  of  an  up-to-date  character. 

The  Herald  circulates  In  Crystal  Lake,  Cary,  Algonquin  and  through- 
out all  southeastern  McHenry  County.  Its  subscription  rate  is  $2  per 
year.  It  is  published  each  Thursday.  Prom  six  to  eight  pages  of  this 
paper  are  home  print. 

It  ni.i \  be  stated  thai  the  Herald  was  one  of  the  first  papers,  if  not 
the  Hist  in  McHenry  County  to  cast  aside  self-interest  and  devote  its 
entire  energies  to  the  interest  of  the  country  during  the  World  War, 
regardless  of  the  consequences  tii  itself  from  a  business  standpoint.  The 
Herald  was  an  American  newspaper,  first,  last  and  all  the  time  during 
the  war,  having  one  aim,  to  stand  by  our  country  and  devote  its  energies 
to  the  winning  of  the  war. 

HEBRON    TRIBUNE 

This  loeal  newspaper  was  established  at  the  village  of  Hebron, 
September  1,  lS'tti.  by  James  II.  Turner  and  Hurley  B.  Begun.  I  toe 
year  later  .Mr.  Begun  purchased  the  interest  held  by  .Mr.  Turner  and 
conducted  it  five  years;  he  passing  away  in  aliout  L897,  one  year  later; 
(ieorge  S.  Houghton  and  Dr.  E.  V.  Brown  bought  the  Tribune  and  eon- 
ducted  the  paper  for  one  year,  then  selling  it  to  Orson  Houghton. 
<J.  ('.  Lemmers  boughl  the  paper  of  .Mr.  Houghton,  in  190:J,  and  operated 
it  until  19H).  The  publication  has  had  a  continuous  issue,  save  for  a 
few  months  in  1913  just  before  the  purchase  of  the  pfant  by  its  present 
owner,  Arthur  D.  Wiseman,  in  August,   1913. 

It  has  an  excellent  circulation  in'  Hebron,  Alden.  Richmond.  Green- 
wood, Dorr.  Chemung,  Burton  townships,  and  in  Walworth  County. 
Wis.  Its  publication  day  is  Thursday  and  its  subscription  rate  is  $2.00 
per  year.  It  is  a  four-page  i  sometimes  increased  to  six  i  journal  of  home 
print,  and  four  pages  "patent."  Its  machinery  is  propelled  by  electricity 
and   includes  a    Prouty   newspaper   press,  Gordon   Jobbers  and    power 

paper-CUtter.  This  is  the  only  newspaper  ever  established  ill  Hebron 
and  the  present  business  is  annually  increasing. 

RICH. MUM)  GAZETTE 

The  Richmond  Gazette  was  established  in  1876  by  II.  B.  Begun. 
Among  the  numerous  owners  ,,t'  this  local  news-sheet  may  be  recalled 
<; -ge  liter.  .1.  Nethercut,  P.  K.   Wright,   Fred  E.  Holmes,  Roy   E. 


1G6  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Scott,  John  II.  Brill,  and  present  publisher  Eomer  B.  Gaston  who  pur- 
chased the  planl  in  1918. 

It  U  a  seven  column,  eighl  to  twelve  page  paper,  issued  every  Thurs 
day  ;it  a  subscription  rate  of  $2.00  per  year  in  advance.  It  lias  a  good 
circulation  in  this  county  and  also  in  Walworth  County,  Wis.  Four 
pages  of  this  journal  are  "patent"  print  ami  the  remainder  is  set  np  al 
borne.  The  equipmenl  consists  of  modern  machinery  including  a  linotype 
and  up-to-date  presses,  both  in  the  newspaper  and  job  departments. 
Politically,  the  Gazette  is  Republican.  It-  machinery  is  operated  by 
means  of  an  electric  tor. 

The  Gazette  lias,  with  the  passing  years,  bad  many  excellenl  editorials 

and  well-selected   local  news  columns  and  lias  I □  greeted  at  many  a 

fire-side  as  a  welcome  guest. 


CHAPTEB  XII 

BANKS  AND   BANKING 

By  Fremont  Hoy 

pibst  onited  states  hank  first  hank  of  chicago — woodstock  bank- 
ing institutions— state  hank  op  woodstock — american  national 
bank  of  woodstock — farmers'  exchange  state  hank — woodstock 
national  hank — banking  vi  crystal  lake — united  states  bank — 
home  state  hank  of  crystal  lake — harvard  banking  institutions 

— harvard  state  hank — first  state  hank  op  harvard financial 

reminiscences  of  ml'  henry— fox  river  state  hank — rinowood 
state  hank — first  national  hank  of  marengo — dairyman 's  state 
bank  of  marengo — state  hank  of  union  —  hebron  state  hank — 

state  hank  of  huntley algonquin  state  bank west  me  henry 

state  hank — spring  grove  state  hank — cary  state  hank — state 
hank  of  richmond — victory   loan   subscriptions — patriotic   ser1 
ice    acknowledgment — war    work    executive    committee — hank 

SUMMARY. 

A  bank  is  an  indispensable  ad j unci  in  any  community.  The  wealth- 
iest men  in  the  country  have  I'm'  years  followed  a  practice  now  being 
adopted  by  the  majority  of  their  fellow  citizens,  of  carrying  mi  their 
business  transactions  by  means  of  checks,  drawing  against  their  accounts 
with  the  bank  of  their  choice,  instead  of  carrying  Large  amounts  of  money 
on  their  person.  The  hanks  of  the  country,  however,  play  a  much  more 
important  part  in  the  commercial  and  industrial  life  than  merely  to 
afford  accommodation  for  the  personal  needs  of  their  customers.  They 
determine  the  stability  of  every  undertaking;  stand  hack  of  all  industry 

from    the    agriculturalist    who    produces   the    raw    material    to    the    retail 

merchant  who  sell  it  direct  to  the  consumer.     Through  their  medium 
foreign  trade  is  stimulated  ami  encouraged;  intries,  as  well  as  indi- 
viduals and  corporations,  are  financed,  and  the  future  of  a  nation  often 
times  lies  in   the  hands  of  the  capable  and   astute   financiers.      Therefore 

in  dealing  with  the  hanks  and  banking  interests  of  any  community,  the 

H.7 


L68  HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 

historian  i-  handling  one  of  the  mosl  importanl  subjects  of  his  record, 
and  too  much  emphasis  cannol  be  accorded  to  the  value  to  the  people 
of  all  classes,  of  the  services  rendered  by  these  institutions  within  Its 
confines. 

FIRST    UNITKD   STATKs    BANKS 

The  Wall  Street  Journal,  N.  Y..  is  the  authority  for  the  state ol 

that  the  Bank  of  New  York  is  the  oldesl  bank  in  this  country,  its  clear- 
ing house  number  being  "1."  while  the  Hank  of  Manhattan  is  number 
"2"  and  the  Merchant's  National  Bank  is  number  "3."    There  are  now 

nine  hanks  in  the  United  States  reaching  hark  into  the  eighteenth  cen- 
tury. Of  these,  two  arc  in  .Massachusetts,  two  in  Connecticut,  one  in 
Pennsylvania,  one  in  Delaware,  one  in  .Maryland,  and  two  in  New 
York.  The  Bank  of  Manhattan  was  organized  by  Aaron  Burr  in  17''''. 
and  the  Merchant's  National  Bank  of  New  York,  was  organized  hy  Alex- 
ander Hamilton  in  1803. 

Corporate  banking  in  New  York  began  with  the  organization  of  the 
Bank  of  New  York  hy  Alexander  Hamilton  in  17S4.  It  obtained  its 
first  charter  in  1792,  and  for  fifteen  years  this  hank,  together  with  the 
New  York  branch  of  the  Firsl  Bank  of  the  I'nited  States,  were  the  only 
banks  doing  business  in  either  the  city  or  state  of  New  York.  With 
General  Hamilton  and  the  Federal  party  in  control  of  the  New  York 
State  Assembly,  new  hank  charters  were  not  obtainable  hy  outside  par- 
ties, and  this  gave  rise  to  contentions  on  the  part  of  the  Anti-Federali-K 
led  by  Aaron  Burr.  By  1800.  however,  the  I'nited  States  had  in  opera 
tion  twenty-seven  hanks,  and  a  decade  later  the  number  had  increased 
to    one    hundred. 

Chicago's  first  bank 

The  city  of  Chicago  had  no  regular  banking  facilities  prior  to  1 835, 

but  during  December  of  that  year,  a  branch  of  the  State  Bank  of  Illi- 
nois was  located  in  that  city.  It  was  opened  for  business  in  a  four- 
story  building  at  the  corner  of  LaSalle  and  Washington  streets,  where 
it  was  continued  until  1843. 

BANKS   AND    BANKING 

Cinder  the  above  caption,  the  late  Lyman  .1.  Gage,  one  of  the  most 
distinguished  bankers  of  Chicago,  wrote  in  pari  as  follows  for  a  con- 
temporary history  : 


. 


HISTORY  OF  .M.  IIKXliV  COUNTY  169 

"The  hank  does  not  come  to  an  embryo  town  perfectly  organized 
and  fully  capitalized.     It   does  not  come  on  the  firel   boat,  nor  build 

up  its  solid  walls  in  a  Betl  lenient   of  cabins  and  tents.     There   must    pre 

cede  it  some  degree  of  maturity  in  husiness,  some  considerable  accumu- 
lation  of  wealth,  and   an   active   commerce  with   distant    regions. 

"So  long  as  a  man  uses  his  own  wealth  he  is  a  capitalist  ;  it  is  only 
when  he  begins  to  employ  money  belonging  to  others  and  [nits  forth 
an   organized   systt  DO   of  credit    that    he   becomes   a    hanker. 

"The  different  banking  functions  of  deposit,  discount,  exchange 
and  circulation  do  not  arise  simultaneously,  hut  are  put  in  operation 
successfully    as    the    operations    of    husiness    become    diversified,    and    its 

ic, is  pass  beyond  the  facilities  employed  in  ordinary  transactions. 

"An    accumulation    of    money    hey 1    the    need    of    the    present    and 

which  may  he  required  at  some  unexpected  moment,  calls  for  a  place 
of  deposit  where  it  may  he  kept  safely  and  withdrawn  at  a  moment 
when  it  can  he  profitably  employed.  A  growth  of  manufactures  call- 
ing for  a  temporary  use  of  capital,  or  an  enlargement  of  trade,  giving 
occasion  for  the  employment  id'  money,  while  products  arc  transported 
from  point  of  production  to  that  of  consumption,  give  occasion  for 
discount;  the  need  to  realize  at  one  point,  the  avails  of  sales  at  a  dis- 
tant place,  or  the  transmission  of  funds  for  the  purchase  of  the  raw- 
material  of  manufactures  or  the  supply  of  trade,  furnish  a  demand 
for  exchange;  while  the  requirements  of  daily  transactions  of  traffic 
in  the  store,  the  simp,  the  farm,  at  home  and  abroad,  call  for  a  circu- 
lating medium  less  ponderous  than  the  precious  metals,  and  yet  eon 
vertible  at  once  into  them. 

"As  the  husiness  of  hanking  is  the  outcome  of  the  need  of  its  facili- 
ties, so  the  men  who  assume  control  of  its  operations  are  usually  those 
not  trained  by  a  long  course  of  apprenticeship  at  the  counter  or  desk, 
but  such  as  happen,  by  reason  of  natural  aptitude  and  the  circumstances 
surrounding  them,  to  he  drawn  into  the  vocation.  Thus,  the  first  hankers 
in  a  community  are  usually  drawn  from  other  callings — successful 
merchants,  lawyers  and  men  of  versatility  and  ready  adaption. 

"As  a  community  passes  out  of  its  embryo,  and  assumes  a  more 
stable  condition,  when  the  frontier  settlement  becomes  the  metropolis  of 
a  great  and  productive  region,  these  conditions  change,  and  there  arises 
a  call  for  banking  institutions,  with  large  capital,  carefully  regulated 
by  law;  and  for  managers  learned  in  the  principles  of  monetary  science. 
and  trained  in  the  intricate  business  of  the  bank. 


lTii  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

"Prom  1843  until  tl uactmenl  of  the  general  banking  law  of  1851, 

there  existed  no  chartered  bank  with  full  powers,  in  Chicago. 

"Daring  this  period,  a  most  heterogeneous  mixture  of  paper  had 
greater  or  less  circulation.  There  were  banknotes  issued  by  Eastern  and 
Southern  hanks.  ><><1  and  others  ranging  through  all  degrees  of 

depreciation  to  utter  worthlessness.  The  city  issued  scripl  which  had 
local  use  as  money,  as  it  was  receivable  in  payment  of  taxes,  ('anal 
scripl  constituted  a  considerable  part  of  the  local  circulation.  There 
was  also  State  Auditor's  script,  and  St.  Louis  script,  and  the  scripl  issued 

by  the  small  tradesmen  'good  Eor  groceries,'  'g 1  for  merchandise'  and 

even  it  is  reported  'good  for  a  drink," 

Such,  then,  was  the  condition  of  money  affairs,  nol  only  at  Chicago, 
hut  throughout  the  state,  including  McHenry  County,  until  the  enact- 
ment of  the  national  banking  system  which  went  into  effect  in  March, 
18b:?.  after  which  "greenbacks"  and  banknotes  were  circulated  as  a 
medium. 

MCHENRY   COUNT!     BANKING 

Before  1852  this  county  had  no  regular  hanks  in  organized  form. 
Such  transactions  as  usually  go  through  the  local  banks  had  to  be 
executed  in  some  outside  city  where  there  was  a  hank.  Much  of  the 
trade  prior  to  the  civil  War  was  carried  on  by  barter,  one  commodity 

being  exchanged  for  another.  The  farmer  trailed  his  butter.  eggS,  meat 
and  potatoes  to  the  home  merchant  for  their  value  in  sugar,  coffee, 
tobaCCO,    cloth    and    similar    commodities,    for    use    by    himself    and     his 

family.  In  ease  he  needed  to  borrow  a  certain  amount  of  money,  he 
applied   to  one  of  the   few   men  throughout    the  county,  who  fortunately 

fur  themselves  and  their  neighbors,  had  possessed  considerable  ready 

cash  when  they  settled  in  the  locality.     In  emergencies,  a  ". 1  eiti/.eu 

could  obtain  from  such  a  man  what  he  needed  by  paying  the  prevailing 
rate  of  interest  which  until  about  1880,  amounted  to  from  ten  to  fifteen 
percent   per  annum.     The  amount   in  excess  of  the  legal  state  interest  was 

known  as  "commission."     Doubtless  as  late  as  1876,  the  average  of 

interest  paid  in  this  eounty  on  approved  mites,  ranged  as  high  as  twelve 
and  one-half  percent  per  annum. 

According   to   state nts    made   by    several    of   the   older   residents    of 

th]*  county,  the  following  conditions  prevailed  prior,  to  the  establish- 
ment of  regular  banking  institutions  in  the  county.  S.  R.  Ward  of 
Richmond   recalls  Judge  William   A.   McConnell,  commonly  known   as 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  171 

"Squire"  McConnell,  and  Col.  G.  II.  Gibbs,  as  gentlemen  bo  circum- 
stanced as  to  lie  able  In  render  service  to  their  fellnw  citizens  in  the 
matter  of  making  leans  to  them. 

"Squire"  McConnell  lived  in  a  grove  a  considerable  distance  north- 
west of  the  village  of  Richmond,  and  used  to  keep  his  money  in  a  small 
iron  safe,  hut  his  neighbors,  including  Doctor  Ward,  told  him  thai   he 

was  imprudent    in   nut    providing  a  better  repository   for  his  wealth,  and 

insisted  that  lie  establish  a  hank  at  Richmond.    This  he  finally  did,  bul 

whether  mi  account  of  the  advice  proffered  him  so  freely,  or  hecause  of 
his  own  excellent  business  sense,  is  only  a  matter  of  conjecture,  lie  nih 
for  many  years  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  for  sixteen  years  was  an  asso- 

e  judge  of  the  county.     Col.  C.   II.  Gibbs  was  proprietor  of  the 

Richmond  House,  and  both  of  these  gentlemen  loaned  thousands  of 
dollars  on  short  and  longer  loans,  to  people  in  the  vicinity  of  Richmond 
and  Hebron. 

T.  ( '.  Schroeder,  a  general  dealer  at  Richmond,  in  connection  with 

his  merchandising,  also  loaned   money,  even   long   after  a   hank   had  been 

established  in  the  village.    .Many  of  the  laboring  men  would  leave  their 

in y  with  him  for  safe  keeping,  receiving  from  him  a  small  rate  of 

interest.    This  money  he  loaned  to  farmers  in  the  surrounding  regions. 

J.  C.  Crumb  carried  on  a  banking  business  in  a  small  way  at  Harvard, 
in  the  general  merchandise  store  of  A.  E.  Axtell,  during  1866,  1ml  the 
following  year  he  erected  a  bank  on  the  corner  still  occupied  by  the 
banking  institution  in  which  the  Crumb  family  is  represented  by  the 
third  generation  as  a  stockholder.  Before  that  date  money  had  to  be 
borrowed  of   individuals,  or  from  some  distant  bank. 

At  Cary,  the  firsl  banking  was  carried  on  by  L.  E.  Mentch,  who. 
in  October,  1902.  organized  the  Cary  Exchange  Bank.  It  was  his 
practice  to  keep  about  $3,000  in  his  safe,  which  was  in  a  small  frame 
building.  At  midnight,  in  .July,  1903,  his  safe  was  blown  open  and  his 
capital  stolen.  The  criminals  were  never  brought  to  justice.  While  his 
losses  amounted  to  $5,555,  he  was  insured,  and  was  able  to  continue  his 
business.  He  erected  the  present  brick  bank  building,  and  continued  in 
the  banking  business  until  in  April.  1914,  when  he  sold  his  interest  to 
thirty-seven  stockholders,  who  organized  the  present  Cary  State  Bank. 
.Mr.  .Mentch  then  turned  his  attention  to  the  real-estate  business  at   Cary. 

Joseph    W.    Christy,   general    merchant    and    postmaster  at    RingW 1. 

sometime  in  the  seventies,  began  to  loan  money  in  small  amounts  on 
short    time,    to    his    neighbors   and    other    patrons.       He    usually    received 

about  fifteen  percenl  interest.    A  number  of  the  laborers  in  his  neighbor- 


17l>  HISTORY  OF  McHENRT  county 

hood,  deposited  their  wages  with  him,  and  this  money,  on  which  he  paid 
.1  -i i i;i  11  rate  of  interest,  enabled  bin  to  enlarge  his  operations. 

WOODSTOCK  BANKING   tNSTITDTIONS 

Dr.  C.  B.  Durfee  began  the  bankin<:  business  ;it  Woodstock  in  1S.V2, 
and  carried  it  on  for  about  two  years,  when  he  failed  and  was  succeeded 
by  the  firm  of  Puller  &  Johnson  Co.,  at  firs!  composed  of  A.  \V.  Fuller. 
C.  B.  Durfee,  L.  S.  Church,  Neil]  Donnelly,  -J.  II.  Johnson  and  W.  G. 
Bentley.     This  firm   of  private  hankers  was   re-organized   under  the 

national   banking  act.   and    heeame  the   Fir-t    National    Bank   of    W I 

-lock,  hut.  in  1869,  C.  B.  Durfee  &  Co.  again  commenced  business  and 
continued  as  bankers  lor  several  years  thereafter.  In  May.  1ST.").  T.  I). 
Murphy  and  Richard  Bishop  opened  a  private  bank,  which  was  continued 

for   about    three    years.      The    First    National    Hank    of    \V lstoek    was 

established  in  lHi-4.  with  a  capital  of  $•">(). IIIKI.  L.  S.  Church  was  presi- 
dent; ('.  B.  Durfee,  cashier,  ami  X.  Donnelly,  M.  F.  Irwin.  I.,  s.  Church. 
c.  B.  Durfee,  A.  M.  Fuller  and  J.  II.  Johnson,  directors. 

STATE    BANS    OF   \VOODSTO(  K 

The  state  Bank  of  Woodstock  was  established  December  19,  1889,  by 
B.  E.  Richards.  E.  C.  Jewett,  A.  P..  McConnell,  (i.  K.  Hunker.  A.  K. 
Bunker,  M.  L.  Joslyn,  William  II.  Stewart,  B.  S.  Austin.  <; -ge  McCon- 
nell ami  F.  W.  Buell.  The  original  officials  were:  F.  F.  Richards,  presi- 
dent; VV.  II.  Stewart,  vice  president,  and  F.  C.  Jewett,  cashier.  The 
Original  capital  of  $25,000  has  been  increased  to  $50,000,  and  there  is 
a  surplus  of  $50,000,  with  undivided  profits  of  upwards  of  $8,0011.  A 
recent    statement    -hows   the    following   condition: 

RESOURCE^ 

Loans  ami  Discounts ■ $:i**i.l"i4.ii(i 

Overdrafts   170.:::. 

F.  s.  Government  Investments  45,184.00 

i  >ther  Bonds  and  stock- 87,477.56 

Banking  House.  Furniture  and  Fixtures 21.600.00 

other  Real  Estate  2,007.94 

Hue  from  Banks,  ( 'ash.  Exchanges,  Checks  &  Collections 114.4.">3.81 

Total  Resources   $657,050.32 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  173 

LIABILITIES 

Capita]  Stock   *  50,000.00 

Surplus    50,000.00 

Undivided  Profits  ( Nel  I  8,307.4  l 

Deposits   546,604.26 

Rem  rve    2,138.62 

Total  Liabilities  $657,050.32 

In  1910  tliis  banking  house  purchased  the  Sherman  business  block, 
which   has  greatly   increased  in   value,  and  is  located  on  one  of  the 

finest   business  corners  in  the  city,  anil  this  has  been   made  into  oi I' 

the  most  modern  financial  institutions  in  this  part  of  the  state. 

The  following  men  have  served  the  bank  as  presidents:     B.   E.   Rich 
ards,  and  E.  ('.  Jewett,  and  the  two  cashiers  have  been  E.  ('.  Jewett  and 
II.  T.  Cooney.     The   present   officials  are:      E.   ('.  Jewett,   president.    \Y. 
s.  McConnell,  vice  president  and  II.  T.  Cooney.  cashier. 

AMERICAN  NATIONAL  BANK  OF  WOODSTOCK 

The  American  National  Hank  of  Woodstock  was  organized  •June  'I 
1903.  It  was  founded  by  John  J.  Murphy  and  George  L.  Murphy.  The 
former  was  president  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Woodstock  until 
ISSit  when  that  institution  was  liquidated.  The  first  officials  of  the 
American  National  Hank  were:  George  L.  Murphy,  president;  Charles 
II.  Donnelly,  vice  president,  and  \Y.  C.  Eichelberger,  cashier.  The  pres- 
ent officials  are:  George  E.  Murphy,  president;  Charles  H.  Donnelly. 
vice  president;  George  F.  Rushton,  vice  president;  Charles  E.  Quinlan, 
cashier;  E.  F.  Fness  and  Eyron  D.  Cheasbro,  assistant  cashiers.  George 
L.  Murphy  has  been  president  of  the  institution  ever  since  it  was  estab- 
lished in  1903.  Charles  L.  Quinlan  succeeded  W.  C.  Eichelberger  as 
cashier  in  1908. 

The  present  capital  is  $30, 1 )( )l ) ;  the  surplus  is  $30,000.  Added  to 
ibis  amount  are  the  undivided  profits  of  over  $13,000.  The  deposits 
are  about  $700, 000.     The  latest  statement  shows  the  following  condition: 

RESOURCES 

Loans,  Bonds  and  Securities $687,120. Hi 

Stock  in  Federal  Reserve  Bank 3,000.00 


174  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

r.  s.  Bonds  to  Secure  Circulation  25,000.00 

Duo  from  United  States  Treasurer  1,250.00 

Interest  Earned  but  not  Collected 11,223.25 

( laafa  on  hand  anil  due  from   Hanks 141,656.49 

Total  $869,258.93 

LIABILITIES 

( lapital  Stock  and  Surplus $100.0011. 00 

Undivided  Profits 15,697.87 

Circulation    24,300.00 


> 


Reserved  for   Interest    11,223. 

Reserved   for  Taxes    2.297.97 

Interest    Collected    but    not    Earned     2,165.71 

DEPOSITS   713,574.13 

Total    $869,258.93 

FARMERS    EXCHANGE    STATE    HANK 

Originally  a  private  bank,  established  in  1887,  the  Farmers  Ex- 
change State  Bank  was  re-organized  under  its  present  name  in  January. 
1916.  It  was  founded  by  M.  I).  Boy  and  George  H.  Hoy,  under  the 
name  of  the  Farmers  Exchange  Bank,  M.  D.  Hoy  &  Son,  proprietors. 
The  original  capital  was  $25,000,  but  this  has  been  increased  until  it 
is  today  $75,000,  with  surplus  and  profits  shown  of  $26,000.  The 
private  hank  did   not   require  officials  by   title,  but   all  papers  were 

Signed  M.  D.  Hoy  &  Son.  Several  years  later  Fremont  Hoy.  John  M. 
Hoy  and  William  P.  Hoy  were  admitted  into  partnership  under  the  name 
of  -M.  I>.  Hoy  it  Suns.  Fremont  Hoy  disposed  of  his  interest  in  the 
firm  of  M.  I).  Hoy  &  Sons,  in  1915,  and  retired  from  banking  in  both 

W [stock   and    Huntley. 

The  present  officials  of  the  hank  are:  George  H.  Hoy,  president; 
I..   T.    liny   and  Geo.   F.   Eckcrt.   vice   presidents;  John   M.    liny,  cashier. 

and   ('.   \V.   Whiting  and   F.    Y.   (iieselhrocht    assistant    cashiers.      <! ge 

II.    Hoy,   the   present    presiding   official    has    held    this   position    since   the 

concern  was  made  a  state  institution,  and  has  been  connected  with 
the    bank    since    its    inception. 

The  business  block  in  which  this  hank  is  operated  is  owned  by  the 
Hoy    Hrot  hers.     The  bank  has  a  surplus  of  $20,000;  undivided  profits 


W<n<rtiA<^/j.&aA^x_    7W,  jj. 


HISTORY  OP  McHENBY  COUNTY  175 

of  over  $6,000.     Its  deposits  in  .March,  1921,  wire  $586,759.55;  their 

•.Toss  assets  $693,073.21. 

The  following  condensed  statemenl  was  made  by  this  bank  March 
31,  1921  : 

RESOURCES 

Loans  and  Discounts   $548,227.4:) 

( Jverdrafts    259.33 

United   States  Liberty    Loan    Bonds    9,700.00 

Furniture    and    Fixtures    2,000.00 

Due  from  Banks    98,245.38 

( lasl hand    27,669.76 

Checks   and    Cash    items    6,971.29 

Total    $693,073.21 

LIABILITIES 
Capita]      *    75,000.00 

Surplus    20.000.00 

Undivided   Profits    6,284.77 

Savin-  Deposits   218,638.67 

Checking  Deposits  37<U2(»s 

<  lerl  ificates,  ete 

Reserved  for  taxes  and   Bond  Department    3,028.89 

T.,tal    $693,073.21 

WOODSTOCK    NATIONAL  BANK 

The    McHenry    County    State    Bank,    now    the    Woodstock    National 
Bank,   located  on   Benton   street.   Woodstock,   was  organized    in   October, 

1901,   with   a   capital   of   $25,000;   which    has   1 n    increased    to   $50,000; 

with  a  surplus  of  $10,000,  and  undivided  profits  of  $7,000.    Its  officials 

were  .1.  I).  Donovan,  president;  M.  II.  Fitzsiinmons.  vice  president;  and 
Walter  V.  Conway,  cashier.  The  above  named  hank  was  converted  and 
became  the  Woodstock  National  Bank  in  1920,  the  former  officials  being 
placed  in  charge. 

The  building*  in  which  the  hank   is  operated   is  owned   by  the  insti- 
tution.    Mr.  Donovan  has  been   president   since  the   inception   of   the 

hank,    while   the  cashiers    have   been    E.    B,    Bower   and    W.    V.   Conway. 


17(1  HISTORY  OF   McHENRY  COUNTY 

successively.     Wellrknown  business  men  of  the  county  are  members  of 
the  board  of  directors,  they  l><  big :     Theo.   Hamer,   B.  C.   Hughts,   II 
A.  Stone,  M    II.  Fitzsimmons,  William  Zimmerman,  J.  I).  Donovan,  ami 
.1.  T.  Bower. 

'I'ht'  following  statemenl   was  made  by  this  bank  March   17.  192]  . 

RESOl  R<  i  - 

Loans,  Discounts,  Securities  $343,731.95 

Banking  house,   Furniture  ami   Fixtures    22,300.00 

Federal   Reserve  Bank  Stock   1,800.00 

Cash  ami  due  from  banks 99,276.24 

Checks  ami  cash  items  2,164.37 

Interest  earned  bul  not  collected  7.7:il.o4 

Total    $477,006.60 

LIABILITIES 

( iapital   ! $  50,000.00 

Surplus 10,000.00 

Undivided   Profits    7,168.03 

Reserve  for  taxes  and  Interest   10.07:!  s."i 

Deposits   399,638.72 

Dividends  unpaid  P26.0O 

Total   $477,006.60 

BANKING    AT    CRYSTAL    LAKE 

Prior  to  1891  Crystal  Lake,  or  Xumla.  had  uo  banking  institutions; 
only  being  accommodated  in  the  matter  of  exchanges  through  the  mer- 
cantile establishments  operating  there  during  that   period. 

UNITED  STATE  HANK 

In  1891  Qebrge  E.  Hallock,  concerning  whom  very  little,  if  any- 
thing, was  known  by  the  citizens  of  that  community,  opened  a  bank- 
ing  house  which  operated  for  about  two  years,  and  without  much  sup- 
port from  the  public.  No  bank  existed  subsequent  to  the  discontinuance 
of  the  Hallock  Hank,  until  1S95,  when  George  K.  Bunker,  Burton 
Wright,  Emery  E.  Richards,  Emilus  ('.  Jewett  and  Charles  B.  Wright, 
all   of  Woodstock,  recognized  the   necessity,   and  the  favorable  oppor- 


BISTORT  OF   MrllKNKY  COUNTY  177 

tunity,  for  ;i  bank  al  that  place,  and  associating  themselves  in  a  co- 
partnership  for   that    purpose,   opened   the   Citizens    Bank   of   Nunda, 

with  ;i  capita]  of  $10,000;  E.  E.  Richards  acting  as  president;  Q ■•_••■ 

K.  Bunker  as  vice  president,  and  E.  C.  Jewett  as  cashier.  <*n  Octoher 
29,  1901,  this  bank  was  incorporated  as  the  Citizens  state  Bank  of 
N'miila.  and  the  capital  increased  to  $25,000.  Charles  B.  Wrighl  became 
cashier,  of  the  re-organized  bank.  On  November  •_'.  1908,  the  title  of  the 
bank  was  changed  to  the  Citizens  State  Rank  of  Crystal  Lake,  and  sub- 
sequently, Augusl  L2,  L910,  the  capital  was  increased  to  $50,000.  The 
bank  continued  under  practically  the  same  management  up  to  July,  1915, 
excepting  that  !•'.  C.  Jewetl  bad  disposed  of  his  interest  in  1908,  and 
therefore  was  ao  longer  connected   with   it.     George   K.   Bunker  had 

I ii  deceased  tot  a  Dumber  of  years. 

Certain  large  investments  having  been  made,  which  the  board  of 
directors  and  the  majority  of  the  stockholders  believed  would  result 
in  heavy  losses,  the  hank  was  closed  July  8,  101."),  and  the  state  auditor 
took  charge.  The  hank  remained  closed  for  about  a  month,  during 
which  time  the  stockholders  and  directors  arranged  to  make  good  the 
impairment  claimed,  taking  out  of  the  bank  all  paper  that  had  been 
questioned.  At  ihis  juncture,  fearing  that  liquidation  of  the  hank 
through  a  receivership  was  imminent,  which  would  lie  up  more  than 

*:;( >().()( Ill  of  the  depositors'  funds,  and  entail  greal  loss  and  hardship 
through    delay,    Fremont    Hoy   anil    Clarence    F.    Hoy,    his  son,    who   had 

I n  president  and  vice  president,  respectively  of  the  competing   state 

Bank  of  Crystal  Lake,  acquired  a  majority  of  tin'  stock  of  the  Citizens 
State  Bank,  and  its  management  was  assumed  by  them.  Clarence  !•'. 
Hoy  was  made  its  president  and  Fremont  Hoy  its  temporary  cashier  and 
vice  president.  W.  H.  Wilbur  became  cashier  in  September  of  that 
same  year. 

Through  the  succeeding  year  the  State  Bank  of  Crystal  Lake  ami 
the  Citizens  state  Bank  were  operated  under  the  direction  of  Fremont 
Hoy  and  Clarence  F.   Hoy.  with  the  able  assistance  of  .Messrs.   Lynn 

Richards  and    \V.    II.   Wilbur,   as  cashiers   of   the   respective   hanks,   with 

the  result  that  the  depositors  of  the  citizens  stale  Bank  were  saved 
from  the  loss  of  money,  and  the  community  from  shock  to  iis  honor 
and  reputation  as  a  banking  center,  and  most  of  all  the  confidence  of 
the  people  in  banking  integrity  was  retained.    The  Citizens  state  Hank 

.'iid  the  State  Hank  of  Crystal  Lake  were  consolidated  AiejiiM  14, 
L916,  becoming  the  United  State  Bank  of  Crystal  Lake,  capitalized  at 
$75,000;   by  this  consolidation   the   hank  at  once  look   rank   among    the 


17-  BISTORT  <»K  M(  BENKY  COUNTY 

more  important  banks  of  the  county.  It  is  boused  in  it-  own  fine  build- 
ing, equipped  in  a  modern  manner.  The  Messrs.  Eoy  disposed  of  their 
banking  interests  ;it  Crystal  Lake  in  January,  1919,  to  W.  II.  Wilbur 
ami  Lynn  Richards,  thus  terminating  their  successful  banking  ex- 
perience of  >-ix  years  at  CrystaJ  Lake. 

The  State  Bank  of  Crystal  Lake,  qow   consolidated  with  the  citi- 
zens state  Bank,  under  the  name  of  the  United  state  Hank  of  Crystal 

Lake,  was  founded  and  opened  for  business  by  .James  K.  Jaeknian. 
t  (ctoher  20,  1910,  with  a  capital  of  $'J5.( Mltl.  Mr.  Jaekman  was  president  ; 
.1.  ('.  Nonllin<r.  cashier,  and  F.  L.  Colby  was  vice  president.  Lynn  Rich- 
ards, former  deputy  circuit  clerk,  became  cashier,  January  1,  1911.  In 
October,  1915,  Fremont  Boy,  having  acquired  control  of  the  majority 
of  the  stock  of  the  hank,  became  its  president,  and  his  son,  Clarence  F. 
Hoy.  its  vice  president.  Mr.  Richards  was  continued  as  cashier.  Under 
this  management  the  hank  had  quite  a  gratifying  growth,  having  depo- 
sits of  about  $210,000  at  the  time  of  its  consolidation  with  the  Citizens 
state  Hank  in  August,  lfllli.  The  strength  of  this  bank  was  never  ques- 
tioned, and  was  amply  proven  when  in  July,  1915,  it  was  found  di 
sary  for  it  to  provide  for  the  financial  requirements  of  the  entire  com- 
munity. The  bank  and  its  officials  proved  able  to  cope  with  the  stiuation 
in  a  capable  and  satisfactory  manner,  and  without  any  discrimination. 
The  following  is  the  statement  made  by  the  bank  March  31,  1921 : 

RESOURCES 

Loans  and  Discounts $490,126.24 

I  tverdrafts 830.46 

U.  S.  Government  Investments 58.034.00 

Other  Bonds  and  Stocks 5,262.40 

Banking  House,  Furniture  and  Fixtures 33,17:1.00 

Other  Heal  Estate  16,044.55 

Due  from  Banks,  Cash,  Exchanges,  Cheeks  and  Collections  . .  73,903.91 

Total  Resources    $677,374.56 

LIABILITIES 

Capital  Stock  Paid  In $  50,000.00 

Surplus  Fund  7,500.00 

Undivided  Profits  (net)   5,653  62 

Deposits   571 ,296.27 


BISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  179 

Reserve  2,824.67 

Bills  payable  and  Rediscounts 40,000.00 

Total  Liabilities   $677,374.56 

HOME  STATE  HANK   OP  CRYSTAL  LAKE 

lii  1915  the  Borne  State  Bank  of  Crystal  Lake  was  organized  with 
its  presenl  capital  of  $25,000.  Its  firsl  officials  were  William  Pinnow, 
president  ;  Edward  Malone,  and  J.  II.  Parks,  vice  presidents,  and  A.  II. 
Benderson,  cashier.  These  same  gentlemen  arc  still  holding  the  positions 
of  responsibility  they  entered  when  the  bank  was  opened,  excepl  that  J. 
W.  WiiiL'at  is  now  second  vice  president,  vice  J.  II.  Parks,  deceased. 

The  building  in  which  the  bank  is  operated  is  owned  by  the  bank,  and 
was  erected  for  banking  purposes,  of  terra  cotta  material,  at  a  cost  of 
$13,500. 

On  March  31,  1921,  the  following  report  was  issued: 

RESOURCES 

Loans  and  Discounts    $193,18!).  19 

( Overdrafts  None 

1'.  S.  Government  Investments   28,600.00 

Other  Bonds  and  Stocks 35,797.50 

Banking  House,  Furniture  and  Fixtures 18,030.00 

Due  from  Banks,  Cash,  Exchanges,  Cheeks  and  Collections. .     95,621.37 

Total  Resources   $371,238.06 

LIABILITIES 

Capital  Stock  Paid  In $  25,000.00 

Surplus  Fund 5,000.00 

I'ndivided  Profits  (net)    3,155.77 

Deposits    338,082.29 

Total   Liabilities    $371,238.06 

HARVARD  BANKING  INSTITUTIONS 

What  was  known  as  the  Harvard  Bank  (now  the  Harvard  State 
Bank)  was  established  in  the  store  of  A.  E.  Axtell,  by  J.  C.  Crumb.    The 


L80  HISTORY  OF  M<  HENS'!  COUNTY 

following  year  he  boughl  a  building  at  the  corner  of  Brainard  and  Ayer 
streets  and  removed  to  it.  He  came  through  successfully  the  panic  days 
of  Is"-'!.  and  kept  pace  with  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  his  county, 
and  in  1880  had  deposits  with  the  Fifth  National  Bank  of  Chii 
amounting  to  $500,000.  In  1881  his  deposits  with  the  Importers  and 
Traders  Bank  of  New  York  City  amounted  to  $46,755.  The  bank  ha^ 
been  conducted  by  representatives  of  three  generations  of  the  Crumb 
family,  namely:  Joseph  <'..  the  founder;  Berber!  D.,  Ids  son.  and 
Edward  A.  Crumb,  his  grandson,  who  is  now  assistant  cashier.  This 
hank  occupies  the  largest  banking  room  in  McHenry  County.  The  build- 
ing is  at  the  corner  of  Ayers  and  Brainard  streets,  and  was  rebuilt  in 
1904  i"  conform  to  modern  banking  ideas.  It  was  a  private  institution, 
until  converted  into  a  state  bank  in  1920,  and  has  bad  a  very  successful 
history.    The  statemenl  of  March  31,  1921,  shows  the  following  condition  : 

RESOl  RCES 

Loans  and  Dicounts  $601,675.00 

Overdrafts    146.55 

U.   s.   Government    Investments    4,132.72 

other  Bonds  and  xtoeks 33,603.02 

Banking  House,  Furniture  and  Fixtures 35,887.  Is 

Due  from  Banks,  ('ash.  Exchanges,  Cheeks  and  Collections..  94,602.33 

other  Resources  134,814.16 

Total  Resources  $1,204,861.26 

LIABILITIES 

Capital    Stock    $    inn. 

Surplus    15,000.00 

Undivided    Profits— Nel    7,120.12 

I  >eposits   630,842.27 

Reserve   5,139.01 

Bills   Payable    20,000.00 

ether  Liabilities 126,759.86 

Total  Liabilities $1,204,861.26 

FIRST   STATE    BANK   OF    HARVARD 

In  1>77  A.  I'",.  Axtell  established  a  private  hank  and  operated  it  under 
his  own  name  in  connection  with  other  lines  of  business.    In  April,  l^ys 


II1STOKY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  181 

he  commenced  taking  deposits  and  prospered  so  thai  by  1880  his  depo 
were  $40,000.  On  Maj  20,  1909  the  Axtell  Bank  was  taken  over  by  the 
Pirsl  State  Bank  of  Harvard,  which  had  been  established,  and  re-organ- 
ized with  a  rap  it  a  I  stock  of  $50,000,  which  with  the  surplus  and  undivided 
profits,  of  '>\rr  $97,000,  'jives  the  bank  a  working  fund  of  $147,000,  and 
greater  than  thai  of  any  other  bank  in  McHenry  County.  In  1!)'_'l  in 
deposits  were  $1,432,549.69. 

The  tiist  officers  were  F.  P.  Axtell,  president  ;  W.  1).  Hall,  vice  presi 
dent  ;  E.  I..  Axtell,  cashier,  ami  P.  1'..  I'helps.  assistant  cashier.  The 
present  officers  are:  P.  P.  Axtell.  president;  \V.  I).  Hall,  vice  president  ; 
B.  I..  Axtell.  cashier,  and  P.  B.  I'helps.  assistant  cashier.  The  hoard 
of  directors  is  composed  of  the  following  :  P.  P.  Axtell,  10.  L.  Axtell.  \V. 
I).  Hall.  ('.  E.  Hunt.  K.  S.  Smith  ami  I..  M.  Lillibridge 

Tin'  statemenl  issued  on  .March  31,  1921,  sh,,us  the  following  con- 
dition : 

RESOl  la  I  - 

Loans  and  Discounts $1,028,787.98 

Overdrafts     284.29 

l '.  s.  Government  Investments 120,089.65 

Other  Bonds  and  stock  121,823.00 

Banking  House  furniture  and  Fixtures 52,383.24 

Mne  from  Hanks,  ( 'ash.  Exchanges,  ( 'hecks  and  Collections.  .  256,009.76 

Other     Resources     olT.OS 

Total  Resources   $1,579,895.00 

I  - 1  \  1 :  1 1  [TIES 

Capital    Stock    paid    in    *       50,000.00 

Surplus   Fund    50,000.00 

Undivided  Profits   i      17,345.31 

Deposits  1,432,549.69 

Total  Liabilities  $1,579,895.00 

FINANCIAL  REMINISI  I  \<  ES  OF   MC  lll\i;v 

•lames  B.  Perry,  who  came  to  McHenry  in  1864,  ami  i-  still  residing 
here,  furnishes  the  following  interesting  data  relative  to  the  banking 
history  of  McHenry. 

Some  of  the  more   prominent    financiers  of  the  earlier   period    mi    this 


182  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

vicinity  were  Samuel  II.  Walker  and  Freeman  Whiting,  who  were  ac 
customed  to  make  loans.  The  firm  of  Owen  Brothers,  composed  of 
Herman  X.  and  Edward  .M.  Owen,  located  at  McHenry,  to  which  they 
ramr  prior  in  1850,  firsl  being  engaged  in  general  merchandising  and 
dealing  in  grain,  but  later  branched  out  and  built  and  operated  a  mill 
which  they  used  for  flouring  and  saw-milling.  In  connection  with  other 
business  transactions  they  sold  Borne  exchange,  hut,  as  far  as  is  known. 

did  not  accept  deposits.     The  iron  safe  used  by  them  about  seventy  years 

ago  is  still  in  McHenry  and  in  use.  only,  however,  for  the  purpose  of 
protecting  hooks  and  papers  against  a  possible  fire.  The  mercantile 
business  of  Owen  Brothers  was  continued  hy  them  until  1874,  when 
it  was  purchased  hy  .lames  B.  Perry  and  Alfred  A.  Martin,  and  they, 
too.  issued  exchange.  About  ISSlMi  .Mr.  .Martin  disposed  of  his  holdings 
to  Oliver  X.  Owen,  and  the  (inn  of  Perry  and  Owen  was  formed,  and 
in  1SSS  hetran  doing  a  regular  banking  business,  under  the  name  of  the 
Bank  of  McHenry,  with  a  capital  of  $15,000,  and  deposits  in  1913  of 
£1. ">().(  100.  The  bank  was  operated  in  a  substantial  brick  bank  building, 
erected  by  the  firm  in  1901. 

This  bank,  with  dames  T.  Perry  at  its  head,  did  a  conservative  and 
satisfactory  business.  Mr.  Terry  lived  in  the  community  for  so  long  a 
period  that  he  was  intimately  acquainted  with  all  of  the  people,  and  they 
relied  upon  him  for  advice  in  financial  matters.  Among  the  substantial 
early  hankers  of  this  county  Mr.  Perry  is  an  excellent  example. 

In  1913  Messrs.  Terry  and  Owen,  desiring  to  retire  from  active  busi- 
ness, negotiated  a  sale  to  Fremont  Hoy  and  Clarence  P.  Hoy.  who  took 
control  of  the  bank,  November  1,  1913. 

FOX  RIVER  VALLEY   STATE  HANK 

The  Hoy  Banking  Company  succeeded  the  Tank  of  McHenry,  the 
name  being  changed  in  1914  when  the  capital  was  increased  from  $15,000 
to  $25,000.  That  same  year  the  bank  building  was  remodeled.  In  Octo- 
ber, 1920  a  charter  was  granted  to  the  Pox  River  Valley  State  Tank.  Mc- 
Henry, Illinois,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  over  the  business  of  the  Hoy 
Banking  Company,  with  a  capital  of  $50,000.  Fremont  Hoy  became  its 
president;  dames  B.  Perry  and  Clarence  P.  Hoy,  vice  presidents,  and 

.Joseph  < '.  Holly,  cashier. 

Mr.  Fremont  Hoy  belongs  to  a  family  of  bankers  in  McHenry  County, 

and  is  well  known  through   Illinois  as  an  astute  financier.     lie  has  been 

variously  connected  with  banking  in  this  county  for  main-  years,  and 


HISTORY  OF  McIIEXRY  COUNTY  ls:i 

is  riM-(i'_Miizi'il  as  an  authority  on  finance.  This  bank  lias  for  years  special- 
ized "ii  real-estate  securities. 

The  following  recent   statement  discloses  the  following  condition: 

RESOURCES 

Loans  and  Discounts $248,40*.  19 

( tvcnlrafts   184.14 

1'.  s.  Governmenl  Investments 200.00 

Other  Bonds  and  stocks 14,600.00 

Banking  House,  Furniture  and  Fixtures 21,505.47 

Due  from  Banks,  ('ash.  Exchanges,  Checks  and  Collections..     39,494.69 

Total  Resources   $324,392.79 

LIABILITIES 

( lapital  Stock   $  50,000.00 

Undivided  Profits  (net)   1,176.66 

1  teposits   253,216.13 

Bills  Payable  and  Re-discounts 20,000.00 

Total  Liabilities   $324,392.79 

RINGWOOD    STATE   BANK 

The  Lank  of  Ringwood  was  established  February  3,  1916,  by  Fremont 
Hoy  and  Clarennce  F.  Hoy.  The  first  officials  were:  Fremont  Hoy, 
president;  Clarence  F.  Hoy,  manager,  and  Henry  F.  Wharton,  cashier. 
Mr  Wharton  died  in  October,  1918,  of  influenza,  which  was  then 
epidemic.  His  place  was  tilled  by  George  H.  Johnson  for  several  months, 
the  other  officials  remaining  the  same. 

The  bank  started  with  a  capital  of  $10,000.    In  1920  the  business  was 

taken  over  by  the  Rin«rw 1  State  Bank,  organized  for  that  purpose,  with 

a  capital  of  $25,000.  Clarence  F.  Hoy  became  president;  Fremont  Hoy, 
vice  president;  and  Kenneth  O.  Hoy,  cashier,  all  of  whom,  together 
with  a  board  of  seven  directors,  now  manage  the  affairs  of  the  bank. 
This  bank  now  receives,  as  it  always  has,  a  good  patronage,  as  is  shown 
by  its  statement  which  appears  herewith: 


)-l  BISTORT  OF  M<  BENRY  COUNTY 

iiemiiij 

Loans  $  B2,516.54 

Overdrafts   65.1] 

l".  s.  Gov.  [nvestmenta  1,750.00 

Bonds 33,500.00 

Banking   Bouse,  Furniture  and  Fixtures 9,500.00 

I  >ue  from  Banks,  <  'ash  and  t  'ash  [terns 9,738.20 

Totals   $137,069.85 

LIABILITIES 

Capital    $  25,000.00 

Undivided  Profits 129.26 

Deposits    101,640.59 

Bills  Payable  and  Re  Discounts 10,000.00 

Totals    $137,069.85 

The  building  used  by  the  bank  for  banking  purposes,  was  buill   by 
the   Ringwood   Bank   in   1916  following  the  erection  of  the  large   milk 

bottling  plant  at   Ringwood,  and  this  is  now  owned  by  the  Ringrw 1 

State  Bank. 

FIRST    NATIONAL   BANK   OF    MARENGO 

On  A.ugus1  8,  1871,  Richard  M.  Patrick  and  <:.  V.  Wells  organized 
the  First  National  Bank  of  Marengo  to  succeed  the  private  banking 
house  of  R.  M.  Patrick.  <■.  V.  Wells  was  the  firsl  president,  and  be  was 
succeeded  by  the  following:  R.  M.  Patrick  and  E.  I>.  Patrick;  while 
R.  M.  Patrick,  the  original  cashier,  has  been  succeeded  by  X.  V.  Wi 
ben,   E.   I).  Patrick  and   A.  C.  Smith.     The  present   assistant   cashiers 

R    I-    1 senberry  and  ('.  II.  Woleben;  C.  B.  Whittemort  and  E.  C. 

Robb  are  the  vice  presidents. 

Tl riginal  capital  remains  at  $50,000,  bu1  the  surplus  is  $50,000, 

and  undivided  profits  over  $10,000.     In  1921  the  deposits  were  slightly 
upwards  of  $700,000. 

On  February  21,  1921,  the  following  statement  was  issued: 


BISTORY  OP  M<  BENRY  COUNTY  185 

RESOURCES 

Loans  $467,208 

Overdrafts   3,022.20 

l'.  s.   Bonds   44.00(1 00 

Other  Bonds  154,071.96 

Collateral  Trusl   Notes   22,975.00 

Stock  Federal  Reserve  Bank 3,000.00 

Furniture  and  Fixtures 12,500.00 

Due  from  Hanks,  Cash  and  Exchange  on  Hand 116,628.65 

Redemption  Fund  with  and  Due  from  U.  S.  Treasury 625.00 

interest  Earned  bul  Nol  <  Collected 1 1,750.5] 

Credit   Reports   76.25 

Total    Resources    $,s:;s..s:>7>7 

LIABILITIES 

Capital  Stock   $  50,000.00 

Surplus  50,000.00 

Undivided  Profits  (Net)  10,341.60 

Unearned  interest  Collected   26.76 

Reserved  for  interest,  Accrued 14,723.75 

Circulating  Notes  Outstanding  12^200.00 

Deposits — All  Kinds   701,565.76 

Total   Liabilities   $838,857.87 

DAIRYMAN'S  STATE  BANK   of    MARENGO 

In  1890  '/..  E.  Goodrich,  Loren  Woodard,  William  Dougherty,  C.  S 
Robb,  I.  If.  Curtiss,  I.  X.  Muzzy,  X.  Buck,  A.  A.  Ryder,  R.  Dalby,  a 
Bopkins,  G.  B.  Richards,  A.  \V.  Kelley,  Will  Pringle,  C.  Buchte,  C.  E. 
Eelley,  1".  B.  Smith,  I,.  Barber,  A.  s.  Norton,  A.  J.  Shurtleff,  John  Cray. 
c.  B.  Kimball,  E.  1".  Sperry,  A.  II.  Penny.  George  Samter  and  T.  M. 
Bager  organized  the  Dairyman's  state  Dank  of  Marengo  with  a  capital 
of  $25,000.  This  has  remained  the  same  bul  there  are  now  undivided 
profits  and  a  surplus  0f  $50,244.96.  The  officials  were:  '/..  E.  Goodrich, 
president;   Da   R.  Curtiss,  vice  president;  I. ester  Barber,  cashier;  and 

A.  s.  Norton,  assistanl  cashier.    The  original  chief  executive,  .Mi-.  G I 

rich,   ha-  been   Succeeded   in   turn   by    Ira    R.   Curtiss.    E.    B.   Seward    ami 


L86  IllsToKV  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

G.  \V.  Redpath,  while  Mr.  Norton  and  C.  J.  Coarson,  have  more  recently 
filled  the  place  of  Mr.  Barber,  as  cashier.  J.  E.  Williams  acted  as  vice 
presidenl  for  a  time;  however,  C.  J.  Coarson  is  now  the  present  \  ice  pres 
ident,  and  Carleton  S.  Robb  and  B.  J.  Eintz  are  the  assistant  cashiers. 
The  !>;mk  building  occupied  by  this  bank  was  erected  in  1915  of  brick 
and  stone. 

On  March  31,  1921,  the  following  statement  was  issued: 

RESOURCES 

Loans  and  Discounts  $:;.">s,ni;:!.'.n 

Overdrafts  333 .62 

V.  s.  Governmenl  Investments  28,150.00 

Other  Bonds  and  Stocks 17.tion.22 

r.ankini:  House,   Furniture  and   Fixtures   26,866.00 

other  Real  Estate  3,000.00 

Due  from  Ranks.  Cash,  Exchanges,  Checks  and  Collections.  .  60,595.52 

Total  Resources    $494,807.34 

LIABILITIES 

Capital  Stock  Paid  In   $  25,000.00 

Surplus  Fund  25,000.00 

In divided  Profits  (Net)   25,244.96 

Deposits   419,322.38 

Dividends  Unpaid   240.00 

Total  Liabilities  $494,807.34 

»  STATE   BANK    OF   UNION 

Iii  1911  O.  E.  Schuette,  H.  E.  Pranzen  and  A.  F.  Pottratz  organized 
the  State  Bank  of  Onion  with  a  capital  of  $25,000,  which  remains  the 
same,  to  which  lias  been  added  $9,819.53  in  surplus  and  undivided  profits. 
The  resources  and  liabilities  of  the  bank  in  March,  1921,  were  $301,825.14, 
and  its  deposits  were  $247,005.61.  The  building  in  which  this  bank  is 
operating  is  a  brick  structure  erected  in  1911.  II.  A.  Stoxen  and  YV.  II. 
Deneen  have  been  its  presidents,  and  O.  II.  Schuette  lias  continued  its 
cashier.  George  L.  Torrenee  is  the  vice  president,  and  C.  M.  Siems 
is  the  assistant  cashier. 

The  banks  recent  statement  follows: 


HISTORY   OF   MrllHXRY  COUNTY  187 

EU  -"i  BCES 

Loans  and  Dicounts $169,569.18 

( >verdrafts   105.35 

Bonds   41,619.00 

Banking  House  and  Fixtures  ~>,800.0() 

Due  from  Banks  and  Cash  84,731.6] 

Total   Resources   $301,825.1  I 

LIABILITIES 

I  iapital  stork   *  25.000.00 

Surplus  9,000.00 

Undivided    Profits    81!)..".:; 

I  (eposits    247,00.-). 6] 

Hills  Payable 20,000.00 

Total  Liabilities   $301,82.-).  14 

I'uioii  had  a  bank  al  a  slightly  earlier  date  which  only  operated  for 
a  short  time.     Some  loss  sustained  through  its  closing. 

HEBRON  STATE  BANK 
The  Bank   of   Hebron    was  established   in   1897   by   G.    W.   Conn.   Sr., 

(i.  W.  Conn.  Jr.,  and  F.  X.  Torrence,  with  a  capital  of  $7,500.  These 
gentlemen  operated  the  bank  quite  successfully  for  a  short  time,  when 
the  ownership  passed  to  a  syndicate  composed  of  W.  B.  Wite  and  four 
other  prominent  local  men.  Mr.  Wite,  who  has  served  as  county 
superintendent  of  schools  of  McHenry  County  for  several  terms,  became 
cashier  and  A,  J.  Cole,  president.  Those  five  gentlemen  '.rave  to  the 
bank  a  prestige  which  was  a  great  factor  in  its  steady  growth. 

In  1920  this  lucrative  business  passed  to  the  present  Hebron  State 
Hank  which,  to  conform  to  the  present  law,  had  been  organized  to  take 
over  and  continue  the  business.  The  present  officers  are:  A.  J.  Cole. 
president;  F.  C.  Slavin,  vice  president  ;  J.  W.  Smith,  cashier;  and  \Y.  R. 
Giddings  and  Lora  C.  Mead,  assistant  cashiers. 

The  follow  ing  is  the  statement  issued  by  the  bank  under  date  of  .March 
31,  1921: 


L88  BISTORT  OP  M<  HENRY  COUNT? 

resui  acea 

Loans  and  Discounts  $422,087.62 

Overdrafts   1,117.29 

I '.  S.  '  lovernmenl  [nvestments  27,000.00 

Other  Bonds  and  Stocks 2,000.00 

Banking  House,  Furniture  and  Fixtures   7,444.75 

Due  from  Banks,  Cash.  Exchanges,  Checks  and  Collections..     52,805.88 

Total    Resources   $512, 155.5 1 

LIABILITIES 

Capital    Stuck     $   50,000.00 

Surplus    25, .tin 

Undivided  Profits  (net)   5,445.63 

Deposits   407,009.9] 

Bills  Payable  and  Re  discounts 25,000.00 

Total   Liabilities   $512,455.54 

STATE  HANK  OF  HUNT]  EH 

On  March  12,  1913,  the  State  Bank  of  Huntley  was  established  with 

John  M.  Hoy  as  president;  A.  P>.  Brinkerhoff,  vice  president;  William 
P.  Hoy.  cashier;  and  W.  F.  Bartlett,  assistant  cashier.  The  presenl 
officials  are:    John  M.  Hoy,  president;  John  T.  Kelley,  vice  president; 

William  P.  Hoy.  cashier,  and  W.  F.  Bartletl  and  ('.  II.  Marsh,  assistant 
cashiers. 

This  hank  is  the  outgrowth  of  the  Hank  of  Huntley,  founded  May 
1.  1901  by  M.  1).  Hoy  &  Sons,  successors  to  a  banking  business  conducted 
for  a  few  years  as  the  Farmers  Exchange  Bank,  by  Charles  E.  Cook, 
and  B.  II.  Cook,  who  sold  to  M.  I).  Hoy  &  Sons. 

The  original  capital  of  the  state  Hank  of  Huntley,  of  $50,000,  is 
unchanged,  but  there  is  a  surplus  of  $30,000,  and  undivided  profits  of 

600.  The  resources  and  liabilities  are  $518,558.60,  deposits  are  $390,- 
670.68.  I'  stands  for  all  that  represents  the  highest  banking  standards. 
This  hank  was  equipped  with  i lern  new  fixtures  a  few  years  since. 

The  following  is  their  showing  on  March  31,  1921  : 


BISTORT  OF  M.  IIF.XUV  COUNTY  L89 

BBSOUBCES 

Loans  and   Discounts    $379,579.0] 

Overdrafts   L80.22 

l     s.  Government   Investments  51,550.00 

other  Bonds  and  Stock   21,100.00 

Banking  Bouse,  Furniture  and  Fixtures  2,700.00 

Other  Real  Estate   5,000.00 

Due  from  Banks,  Cash,  Exchanges,  Checks  and  Collections  ..  58,449.37 

Total   Resources   $518,558.60 

LIABILITIES 

Capital  stock   $  50,000.00 

surplus  30,000.00 

Undivided  Profits  I  Del  I   5,602.5] 

Deposits    390,670.68 

Dividends   unpaid    1  "iU.00 

Reserve   'J.D{.">.41 

Dills  Payable  and  Re-discounts  40,000.00 

Total  Liabilities  $518,558.60 

ALGONQUIN   STATE   BANK 

En  June,  1913  B.  C.  Getzelman  established  the  Algonquin  state 
Bank,  and  has  always  been  its  president.  E.  C.  Peter  is  vice  president. 
This  bank  succeeded  the  Dank  of  Algonquin.  The  present  cashier. 
George  D.  Keyes  has  always  held  his  present  position  since  the  hank 
became  a  state  bank.  The  capital  is  $25,000,  surplus  and  undivided 
profits  $16,625.70. 

In  March  192]  the  following  statement  was  issued: 

RESOURCES 

Loans  and  Discounts  $167,738.97 

Overdrafts    13.79 

U.  s.  Government   Investments   7,136.50 

other  Bonds  and  stock 33,610.97 

Banking  House,  Furniture  and  Fixtures 2,289.20 

Due  from  Banks,  Cash,  Exchanges,  ('hecks  and  Collections  .  .  18,201.95 

Total   Resources   $258,991.38 


190  HISTORY  OK  M«  IIEXR*  COUNTS 

i.iAiui.rni  s 

( lapital  Stock  Paid  In  $  25,000.00 

Surplus   Fund    in. 1.00 

Undivided  Profits  (net)   6,625.70 

Deposits    -1  1,238.67 

Reserve 3,127.01 

Total   Liabilities   $258,991.38 

WEST     Mi     HENRY     STATE     HANK 

On  September  10,  1906,  the  West  McHenry  State  Bank  was  estab- 
lished by  P.  S.  Webster  with  a  capital  of  $25,000,  which  lias  since  been 
increased  to  $50,000.  This  thoroughly  modern  banking  institution  is 
the  fust  bank  of  West  McHenry,  and  its  only  one.  B.  L.  Wagner  and 
C.  II.  Pegers  have  served  in  turn  as  its  presidents,  and  Carl  W.  Stenger 
has  always  been  its  cashier.  The  present  vice  president  of  the  bank  is 
Parker  S.  Webster  and  the  second  vice  president  is  Simon  Stoffel. 

A  statement  made  on  .March  31,  1921,  show's  the  following:  condition: 

RESOURCES 

Loans  and  Discounts   $336,270.33 

( i\  erdrafts   75.92 

1'.  s.  Government  Investments 63,538.00 

Other  Bonds  and  Stocks 22,050.44 

Banking  House,  Furniture  and  Fixtures 18,645.00 

Due  from  Banks,  Cash,  Exchanges,  Checks  and  Collections. . .     43,752.01 

Total  Resources $484,331.70 

LIABILITIES 

( lapital  Stock   $  50,000.00 

Surplus  Fund 10,000.00 

Undivided  Profits  (net)   9,873.12 

Deposits   414,'241.70 

( 'ontingent  Fund    216.88 

Total  Liabilities   $484,331.70 


<r/aAA^f  \t  >  ^r^o^U^y^ 


HISTORY  OF  M<  IIKXRY  COUNTY  I'M 

SPRING    GROVE    STATE    BANS 

On  December  ■'!.  1914,  the  Spring  Grove  Hank  was  organized  by 
.1.  I-;.  Meredith,  J.  II.  Gerbrachl  ami  Anion  Sahaefer.  The  presenl 
officials  are:  Anton  Sahaefer,  president  and  cashier;  ami  M.  A.  Sahaefer, 

assistant  cashier. 

This   bank    was   started    with    a    capital    iif    $3,000,    anil    in    1  * ►  1  * »    had 

resources  amounting  to  $53,153.  Its  deposits  amounted  to  $48,946  in 
the  same  year,  ami  it  carried  a  surplus  fund  of  $1,207.    It  was  Located 

in  a  small  village,  and,  in  the  past  has  had  ample  facilities  I'm-  trans- 
acting all  necessary  business  in  its  line  I'm-  the  surrounding  neighbor- 
hood, ami  its  management  have  had  the  good  will  of  the  people  of  this 
vicinity. 

About  the  commencement  of  1920  an  organization  was  brought  into 

existence    under   the    Illinois    Banking    Act.    with    a    capital    of    $25,000, 

having  I'm-  its  title  the  Spring  Grove  state  Bank.  This  organization 
purchased  the  business,  assets  and  good  will  of  the  Spring  Grove  Bank, 

and  since  that  time  has  conducted  a  banking  business  at  that  place, 
with  considerable  success.  Joseph  0.  Wagner  is  the  president;  -John  ('. 
Furlong,  vice  president  ;  and  Arthur  II.  Pranzen,  cashier.  Mr.  H.  II. 
Franzen  of  Du  Page  County,  Illinois,  a  banker  of  considerable  expe- 
rience in  several  localities,  is  financially  interested  and  is  a  director  of 
this  bank. 

The  most  recent  available  statement,  of  March  31,  1021,  shows  the 
condition  of  the  bank  to  be  as  follows: 

RESOURCES 

Loans  and  Discounts $  81,882.75 

Other  Bonds  and  Stocks 7,0.")5.00 

Banking  House,  Furniture  and  Fixtures 1,786.26 

Other  Real  Estate 1,250.00 

Due  from  Banks,  Cash  Exchanges,  Checks  and  Collections. . .     18,222.26 

Total  Resources    $110,191). 27 

LIABILITIES 

Capital  Stock    $  25,000.00 

Undivided  Profits  (net)   4,452.21 

Deposits    80,544.0<> 

Other  Liabilities 200.00 

Total  Liabilities  $110,lil(i.27 


192  BISTORT?  OF  M<  HENRY  COUNTY 

CAR?    SI  \  1 1     BANE 

The  Cary  State  Bank  is  located  in  the  village  of  Cary  and  was 
organized  April  3,  1914,  with  T.  II.  WultV  as  president;  C.  W.  Stenger, 
\  ice  president;  and  Joseph  J.  Sutton,  cashier.  It-  original  capital  of 
$25,000  has  in  it  been  increased,  bul  it  has  surplus  and  undivided  profits 

$12,430.26.  In  March,  L921,  its  deposits  were  $193,001.62.  The 
Cary  State  Bank  owns  its  own  banking  building,  erected  at  a  cosl  of 
$6,000,  This  bank  has  transacted  its  affairs  from  the  Btart  in  an  honor- 
able and  upright  manner,  and  its  officials  have  the  confidence  of  the 
surrounding  country. 

According  to  a  statemenl  made  under  date  of  March  31,  L921,  the 
condition  of  the  bank  is  as  follows: 

RESOURCES 

Loans  and  Discounts $150,627.75 

Bonds  and  stocks ::s.:::!7.oii 

Cash  on  Hand 8,2  18.76 

Banking  House,  Furniture  and  Fixtures 8,532.00 

War  Savings  Stamps 840.80 

( >verdrafts   7.37 

Total    Resources   $230,441.88 

LIABILITIES 

Capital  Stock   $  25,000.00 

Surplus  7,500.00 

Undivided  Profits  I  nel  I    4,930.26 

Individual    Deposits    75,712.66 

Other  Deposits   10,350.80 

Time  Deposits  28,254.35 

Savings  Deposits   78,683.8] 

Unpaid   Dividends   10.00 

Total   Liabilities   $230,441.88 

The  present  officers  are:  T.  II.  WultV.  president;  C.  W.  Stenger, 
vice  president  ;  and  Joseph  A.  Stenger,  cashier.    The  board  of  directors 


HISTORY  OF  MoHBNRY  COUNTY  1!":: 

i-  composed  of:    T.  II.  WultV.  C.  \V.  Stenger,  II.  Newbold,  E.  I..  Wag 
ner  and  X.  B.  Kith. 

A  banking  business  was  formerly  conducted  by  L.  E.  Mentcb  under 
the  title  of  the  Cary  Exchange  Bank,  but  after  several  years  went  out 
of  existence. 

STATE  BANS  OK  RICHMOND 

'I'lie  Bank  of  Richmond  was  organized  in  18(10  by  George  and  John 
McConnell,  who  associated  with  them  John  W.  Eaythorn.  The  original 
officials  were:  George  McConnell,  president;  John  McConnell,  vice 
president;  and  John  W.  llaythorn.  eashiur.  The  officials  immediately 
prior  to  its  organization  as  a  state  hank  in  1920,  were:  Susan  Mc- 
Connell, president:  Cora  II.  Covell,  vice  president;  May  L.  Parsons, 
vice  president;  Prank  B.  McConnell,  cashier;  and  William  A.  McCon 
nell.  assistant   cashier.     The  present  officials  are:      Prank   B.  McConnell. 

president;  Charles  Kruse,  first  vice  president;  M.  K.  Cole,  second  vice 
president;  and  W.  A.  .McConnell.  cashier. 

The  original  capital  of  $10,000  had  not  been  increased  np  to  1920, 
but  the  bank  had  a  surplus  of  *4.">.< 153. 7(i.  On  March  31,  1921,  shortly 
after  re-organizing,  its  resources  and  liabilities  were  $399,280.76,  and 
at  the  same  date  its  deposits  were  $349.2*0.76.  In  September,  1890, 
the  present  substantial  bank  building  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  $5,000, 
by  George  and  John  McConnell.  It  is  our  understanding  that  the  presenl 
State  Hank  of  Richmond  will  occupy  the  building  under  lease. 

The  newly-incorporated  state  bank  has  a  larire  number  of  the  most 
influential  and  substantial  citizens  for  stockholders,  together  with  the 
former  owners,  and  it  is  our  belief  that  the  institution  will  continue 
to  enjoy,  to  the  fullest  extent,  the  confidence  of  the  community.  The 
present  capital  is  $50,000. 

The  official  statement  of  March  31,  1921.  follows: 

RESOURCES 

Loans  and  Discounts $251,157.13 

( Iverdrafts   122. 1 1 

C.  S.  Government  Investments 12,768.47 

I  (ther  Bonds  and  Stocks 53,758.6s 

Banking  House,  Furniture  and  Fixtures 1,633.57 

Due  from  Banks,  Cash.  Exchanges  and  Collections 79,840.47 

Total  Resources   $399,280.76 


194 


HISTORY  OF  McIIEXRY  COUNTY 


LIABILITIES 

Capital  Stock   $  50,000.00 

Deposits   349,280.76 

Total  Liabilities   $399,280.76 

VICTORY  LOAN   SUBSCRIPTIONS 

The  following:  is  a  complete  list  of  the  subscriptions  received  from 
each  bank  in  McHenry  County  for  the  Victory  Loan  issued  by  the  gov- 
ernment, which  drive  was  on  during  April,  1919.  These  subscriptions 
foot  up  to  110.25  per  cent  of  the  county's  quota.  This  list  is  given 
in  full  to  prove  that  no  section  of  the  county  failed  in  doing  its  full 
patriotic  duty  at  a  time  when  the  country  had  need  of  real  Americanism. 


Bank  Subscribers        Amount 

Algonquin  State,  Algonquin 282            $      68,000 

Cary  State,  Cary  Station 174  36,300 

Home  State,  Crystal  Lake 144  40,300 

United  State,  Crystal  Lake 378  61,750 

First  State,  Harvard   846  160,600 

Harvard  State,  Harvard 377  63,450 

Bank  of  Hebron,  Hebron 300  89,900 

State  Bank,  Huntley   350  72,250 

Dairyman's  State,  Marengo   298  79,300 

First  National,  Marengo   234  54,550 

Hoy  Banking  Co.,  McHenry 154  27.600 

Bank  of  Richmond,  Richmond 191  74.200 

Bank  of  Ringwood,  Ringwood 139  29,150 

Spring  Grove  Bank.  Spring  Grove 120  22,400 

State  Bank,  Union  186  56,350 

West  McHenry  State,  West  McHenry 306  74,250 

American  National,  Woodstock 520  95,000 

Farmers'  Exchange  State.  Woodstock 629  82,000 

McHenry  Co.  State,  Woodstock 376  63,050 

State  Bank,  Woodstock  675  97.35(1 

Total 6,679            $1,347,850 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  195 

It  has  been  carefully  estimated  that  the  total  amount  subscribed  in 
this  county  during  the  several  drives  of  the  World  War  amounted  to 
over  $5,000,000. 

PATRIOTIC    SERVICE    ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

"Woodstock,  111.,  May^  24,  1919. 
"We,  the  undersigned  banks  of  Woodstock,  desire  to  take  this  means 
of  extending  our  thanks  to  the  committee,  which  handled  the  drives  of 
the  Third,  Fourth  and  Fifth  Liberty  Loans,  of  which  Charles  F.  Renich 
was  chairman,  for  the  manner  in  which  they  conducted  the  solicitations 
for  subscriptions.  The  entire  amounts  were  taken  by  the  patriotic 
people  of  this  community,  thus  relieving  the  banks  from  subscribing 
and  carrying  the  bonds. 

"We  believe  that  this  was  only  made  possible  through  the  efforts 
of  Chairman  Renich  and  his  committee,  who  worked  continuously  in 
the  interest  of  the  loans,  many  times  at  the  expense  of  their  own  private 
business. 

"Woodstock  and  vicinity  has  'gone  over  the  top'  on  every  Liberty 
Loan,  and  this  100-per-eent-reeord  was  made  by  the  hearty  co-opera- 
tion extended  to  the  banks  by  the  above-mentioned  committee.  We 
feel  that  public  acknowledgment  of  all  due  credit  to  these  loyal  workers 
should  be  made,  now  that  the  war  is  over  and  the  government  has  an- 
nounced the  Victory  Loan  to  be  the  last  issue  of  Liberty  Bonds. 
"Signed, 

"The  State  Bank  of  Woodstock,  E.  C.  Jewett,  president. 
"The  American  National  Bank,  G.  L.  Murphy,  president. 
"McHenry  County  State  Bank,  J.  D.  Donovan,  president, 
"Farmers'  Exchange  State  Bank,  G.  H.  Hoy,  president." 

WAR  WORK  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE 

The  executive  committee  which  had  charge  of  these  various  campaigns 
in  Woodstock,  working  always  under  the  direction,  leadership  and  in- 
spiration of  national,  state  and  county  direction,  were  Charles  F.  Renich, 
chairman,  D.  R.  Joslyn,  O.  G.  Mead,  F.  J.  Green,  F.  A.  Walters,  F.  B. 
Bennett,  A.  J.  Mullen,  G.  E.  Still,  C.  Percy  Barnes,  F.  E.  Howe  and 
F.  W.  Hartman.  Carl  W.  Stenger,  of  West  McHenry,  was  county  chair- 
man of  the  four  campaigns,  while  D.  R.  Joslyn  was  chairman  of  the 
Fifth  or  Victory  campaign. 


196  HISTORY  OF  .\k  HENRY  COUNTY 

All  the  subscriptions  were  made  cheerfully  by  the  people,  even  when 

the  making  of  them  entailed  heavy  personal  sacrifices  and  the  assuming 
df  obligations  through  the  borrowing  of  money  to  meet  the  payments. 

BANK  SUMMARY 

The   following  summary   of  the   banking    interests  as  shown    below 

gives  a  very  creditable  report  on  the  financial  conditions  in  McHenry 
County.    From  statements  of  March  31,  1921. 

Capital,  Surplus  &  Un- 

Xnme                                                Established    divided  Profits  Deposits 

State  Bank  of  Woodstock 1889      $108,307.44  £546,604.26 

Farmers'  Exchange  State  Bank.     1S87            101,284.77  586,759.55 

American  National  Hank 1903            115,697.87  713,574.13 

Woodstock  National  Banak 1901             67,168.02  399,638.72 

First  State  Bank  of  Harvard...     1877            147.345.31  1.432.549.69 

Harvard  State  Bank 1866           122,120.12  630,842.27 

Home  State  Bk.  of  Crystal  Lake.     1915             33,155.77  33S.0S2.2H 

U.  S.  State  Bank  of  Crystal  Lake     1895              63,153.62  571,296.27 

First  National  Bk.  of  Marengo.  .      1871            110,341.60  701.565.7U 

Dairyman's  State  Bank 1890             75.244.96  419,322.38 

State  Bank  of  Huntley 1901              85,602.51  390,670.68 

Algonquin  State  Bank 1913              41,625.70  214.238.67 

West  McHenry  State  Bank 1906              69,873.12  414.241.70 

Sp.  Grove  State  Bank 29,452.21  80,544.06 

Cary  State  Bank 1914              37,430.26  193,001.62 

Hebron  State  Bank 1897              80,445.63  407,009.91 

Ringwood  State  Bank 1916             25,429.26  101,640.59 

state   Bank  of  Union 1911              34,819.53  247,005.61 

Pox  River  Valley  State  Bank. . .     1888             51.176.66  253.216.]:; 

State  Bank  of  Richmond 1890              50.000.00  21ii.2S0.76 


Total    $1,449.(174.36       $8,991,085.(15 

Total  Capital.  Surplus  and  Undivided  Profits $  1,449,674.36 

Total  of  All  Deposits 8,991,085.(15 


Total  of  All  Banking  Assets  Employed $10,440,759.41 


CHAPTER  XIII 
AGRICULTURE  AND  COUNTY  FAIRS 
By  George  A.  Hunt 

IMPORTANCE   OP   AGRICULTURE MC  HENRY    COUNTY   FARMERS'    INSTITUTE} — 

MC  HENRY    COUNTY    FARM    BUREAU BOYS'    AND    GIRLS'    CLUB    WORK — 

MC  HENRY       COUNTY       HOLSTEIN       BREEDERS'       ASSOCIATION MC  HENRY 

COUNTY    HOME    BUREAU AGRICULTURAL    SOCIETIES OTHER    FAIRS  — 

MARENGO    AGRICULTURAL    BOARD KISHWAUKEE    FARMERS'    CLUB FARM 

STATISTICS REGISTERED   FARM    NAMES. 

IMPORTANCE  OF  AGRICULTURE 

When  the  pioneer  settlers  who  came  to  McHenry  County  during  the 
years  1834  to  1838,  inclusive,  secured  their  original  farms,  they  were  able 
to  obtain  the  land  from  the  government  for  the  entry  fee  of  $1.25  per 
acre.  The  settlers  who  followed  a  little  later  bought  many  acres  of 
fertile  land  at  prices  but  a  little  in  advance  of  the  government  fee. 
Oftentimes  they  were  able  to  purchase  farms  upon  which  considerable 
improvements  had  been  made  for  sums  so  small  as  to  seem  incredible  in 
these  days  of  high  prices.  While  they  were  engaged  in  tilling  the  soil, 
the  importance  and  dignity  of  agricultural  labor  had  not  been  recog- 
nized, aud  the  farmer  operated  his  farm  to  obtain  a  living,  not  as  a 
business  proposition.  For  this  reason,  and  the  facts  that  land  was 
plenty  and  transportation  poor,  the  best  acreage  sold  at  low  figures,  and 
there  was  no  special  inducement  to  anyone  who  had  the  inclination  to  go 
into  farming  on  an  extensive  scale. 

With  the  building  of  the  great  railroad  systems,  thus  bringing  the 
farmer  into  closer  touch  with  the  centers  of  demand ;  the  installation  of 
cars  built  upon  the  cold  storage  plan;  the  invention  of  labor-saving 
machinery,  and  the  appliance  of  motor  power,  a  complete  revolution 
occurred,'  and  the  man  who  owned  farm  land  began  to  realize  that  he 
had  a  plant  which,  if  properly  conducted,  would  yield  him  a  handsome 

197 


198  HISTORY  OF  McHENEY  COUNTY 

income,  and  give  him  a  prominent  place  among  the  producers  of  the 
country. 

Many  men  who  had  been  born  and  reared  on  farms,  but  later  left 
them,  lured  to  the  cities  by  ambition  and  hope  of  riches  easily  obtained 
without  the  strenuous  labor  of  the  rural  districts,  returned  to  the  soil, 
and  put  to  practical  use  the  lessons  they  had  learned  many  years  before. 
Those  who  had  been  sensible  enough  to  remain  on  the  farm  expanded 
in  every  way,  buying  more  land,  put  in  modern  equipment,  and  took 
advantage  of  the  opportunities  offered  by  federal  and  state  government 
experimental  stations.  In  fact,  although  somewhat  late,  the  agriculturist 
came  into  his  own. 

With  this  expansion  came  an  appreciable  advance  in  land  values. 
Twenty  years  ago  the  prophecj'  that  Illinois  farm  land  would  sell  for  at 
least  $200  per  acre,  was  laughed  at.  Now  many  McHenry  County 
farmers  are  refusing  $250  per  aci'e  and  over  for  their  holdings. 

Within  the  past  few  years  new  conditions  have  arisen  which  will 
make  the  agriculturist  still  more  important,  for  upon  his  shoulders 
rests  the  burden  of  feeding  the  world.  It  will  be  many  years  before  the 
war-devastated  area  can  be  brought  back  to  its  former  productiveness 
and  it  is  to  the  United  States  that  the  rest  of  the  world  is  looking,  and 
will  have  to  look  for  some  years  to  come,  for  its  very  subsistence. 

No  manufacturer,  banker,  merchant,  or  professional  man  is  today 
of  more  actual  value  to  his  generation  than  is  the  farmer  who  under- 
stands his  work  and  takes  an  interest  in  it,  and  in  rendering  to  humanity 
the  service  that  lies  in  his  power.  Organization  of  the  agricultural 
forces  of  the  state  and  nation  have,  during  the  past  few  years,  exerted 
a  very  marked  and  powerful  influence  upon  the  country's  development. 
Granges,  Farmers'  Institutes,  Agricultural  Fairs,  Farm  Bureaus, 
Farmers'  Elevators,  Shipping  Associations  and  other  farmer  organiza- 
tions have  all  had  much  to  do  in  placing  agriculture  in  the  higher 
position  which  it  now  holds  in  relation  to  the  other  industries. 

MC  HENRY    COUNTY    FARMERS'   INSTITUTE 

The  Farmers'  Institute  of  McHenry  County  is  a  potent  factor  in 
progressive  agriculture  in  the  county.  It  holds  one  or  more  successful 
meetings  each  winter.  The  speakers  engaged  to  address  these  meetings 
are  men  and  women  of  recognized  authority  on  the  subjects  they  present 
and  much  good  has  been  accomplished  through  the  inspiration  and 
enthusiasm  engendered.     In  arranging  excursions  to  the  agricultural 


\L 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  199 

colleges,  securing  agricultural  scholarships  for  the  boys  and  girls,  in 
encouraging  improved  methods  and  in  many  other  ways  the  Farmers' 
Institute  has  been  an  influence  for  good  to  the  agricultural  interests 
of  the  county. 

The  Officers  of  the  McHenry  County  Farmers'  Institute  since  1896 
were  as  follows: 

1896-1897 — President,  M.  Zimpelman,  Marengo;  vice-president,  0. 
M.  Hale,  Nunda;  secretary,  Frank  T.  Barnes,  Woodstock;  treasurer, 
Thomas  Ocock,  Union. 

1897-1898 — President,  M.  Zimpelman,  Marengo;  vice-president, 
George  A.  Hunt,  Greenwood;  secretary,  F.  T.  Barnes,  "Woodstock;  treas- 
urer, E.  H.  Cook,  Huntley. 

1898-1899 — President,  George  A.  Hunt,  Greenwood;  vice-president, 
William  A.  Saylor,  "West  McHenry ;  secretary,  George  L.  Murphy,  "Wood- 
stock; treasurer,  E.  H.  Cook,  Huntley. 

1899-1900 — President,  George  A.  Hunt,  Greenwood;  secretary,  M. 
Zimpelman,  Marengo;  treasurer,  H.  T.  Thompson,  Huntley. 

1900-1901 — President,  George  A.  Hunt,  Greenwood;  secretary,  M. 
Zimpelman,  Marengo;  treasurer,  H.  T.  Thompson,  Huntley. 

1901-1902 — President,  H.  T.  Thompson,  Marengo;  secretary,  J.  H. 
Turner,  Hebron;  treasurer,  F.  C.  "Wells,  Harvard. 

1902-1903— President,  H.  T.  Thompson,  Marengo;  secretary,  J.  H. 
Turner,  Hebron ;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1903-1904 — President,  H.  T.  Thompson,  Marengo;  secretary,  J.  H. 
Turner,  Hebron;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1904-1905 — President,  M.  Zimpelman,  Marengo;  secretary,  J.  H. 
Turner,  Hebron;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1905-1906 — President,  M.  Zimpelman,  Marengo;  secretary,  J.  H. 
Turner,  Hebron ;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1906-1907— President,  M.  Long,  Woodstock ;  secretary,  F.  E.  Thayer, 
Woodstock;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1907-1908— President,  F.  E.  Thayer,  Woodstock;  secretary,  J.  F. 
Westphall,  Alden;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1908-1909— President,  F.  E.  Thayer,  Woodstock;  secretary,  J.  F. 
Westphall,  Alden ;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1909-1910 — President,  F.  E.  Thayer,  Woodstock;  secretary-treasurer, 
F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1910-1911 — President,  George  A.  Hunt,  Woodstock;  secretary,  E.  F. 
Booth,  Woodstock;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 


200  HISTORY  OP  McHENKY  COUNTS 

1911-1912 — President,  George  A.  Hunt,  Woodstock;  secretary,  E.  F. 
Booth,  Woodstock ;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1H12-1913— President,  M.  J.  Wright,  Woodstock;  secretary,  Elmer 
Standish,  Marengo;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1913-1914 — President.  M.  J.  Wright,  Woodstock;  secretary,  Elmer 
Standish,  Marengo;  treasurer,  F.  C.  Wells,  Harvard. 

1914-1915- — President,  M.  J.  Wright,  Woodstock;  secretary-treasurer, 
C.  W.  Colton,  Woodstock. 

1915-1916 — President,  M.  J.  Wright,  Woodstock ;  secretary-treasurer, 
C.  W.  Colton,  Woodstock. 

1916-1917 — President,  M.  J.  Wright,  Woodstock;  secretary-treasurer, 
C.  W.  Colton,  Woodstock. 

1917-1918 — President,  M.  J.  Wright,  Woodstock;  secretary-treasurer, 
H.  E.  Whipple,  Harvard. 

1918-1919- — President,  B.  L.  Thomas,  Ringwood;  secretary-treasurer. 
H.  F.  Echternach,  Marengo. 

1919-1920 — President,  B.  L.  Thomas,  Ringwood;  secretary-treasurer, 
H.  F.  Echternach,  Marengo. 

1920-1921 — President,  B.  L.  Thomas,  Ringwood;  secretary-treasurer, 
H.  F.  Echternach,  Marengo. 

1921-1922 — President,  B.  L.  Thomas,  Ringwood;  secretary -treasurer, 
Clarence  H.  Ocock,  Union. 

MC  HENRY   COUNTY  FARM  BUREAU 

McHenry  County  was  the  third  county  in  Illinois  and  among  the 
first  twenty  in  the  United  States  to  organize  a  Soil  Improvement  Asso- 
ciation, or  Farm  Bureau,  as  it  is  called  in  many  of  the  counties.  This 
organization  in  McHenry  County,  which  is  a  unit  of  the  state  and 
national  associations,  has  had  a  very  important  part  in  the  agricultural 
development  of  the  state.  A  great  many  marked  changes  have  taken 
place  in  the  agricultural  conditions  in  this  county  during  the  time  which 
has  intervened  since  the  organization  of  the  McHenry  County  Soil  Im- 
provement Association.  This  association  was  organized  in  February, 
1913.  Several  members  of  the  County  Farmers  Institute  were  instru- 
mental in  perfecting  this  organization.  Among  those  most  active  in 
promoting  this  movement  may  be  mentioned  M.  J.  Wright  and  C.  W. 
Hart  of  Woodstock,  J.  H.  Turner  of  Hebron,  H.  E.  Whipple,  F.  C. 
Wells,  R.  F.  Marshall  and  T.  H.  Murray  of  Harvard,  and  Bert  Thomas 
of  Ringwood.  Funds  for  the  support  of  this  organization  have  been 
received  from  the  following  sources: 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  201 

For  the  year 

1913     U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture $    400.00 

County  Board  of  Supervisors 2,000.00        2,400.00 

1914— U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture $   400.00 

Board  of  Supervisors 2,000.00 

Comity  Bankers  Association 2,000.00        4,400.00 

1915— Smith-Lever  Fund $    400.00 

Board  of  Supervisors 1,500.00         1,900.00 

1916— Smith-Lever  Fund $1,200.00 

Board  of  Supervisors 2,000.00         3,200.00 

1917— Smith-Lever  Fund $1,200.00 

Board  of  Supervisors 2,200.00         3,400.00 

1918— Smith-Lever  Fund   $1,200.00 

Board  of  Supervisors 2,200.00        3,400.00 

1919— Smith-Lever  Fund  $1,150.00 

State  Appropriation 872.86 

Board  of  Supervisors 2,200.00        4,222.86 

1920— Smith-Lever  Fund $  975.00 

State  Appropriation 1,187.00 

Board  of  Supervisors 1,666.66         3,828.66 


Total  of  appropriations  above  sources $26,751.52 

For  the  year  1920  the  supervisors  appropriated  $5,000  to  be  divided 
equally  between  the  Soil  Improvement  Association,  the  Home  Bureau 
and  the  Boys'  and  Girls'  Club  work.  Additional  funds  for  the  work 
of  the  association  are  received  from  the  membership  fees.  This  fee  was 
first  placed  at  $5  per  year,  and  afterward  increased  to  $10  per  year, 
one-half  of  the  fee  being  paid  for  membership  in  the  Illinois  Agricultural 
Association.  The  membership  fee  was  again  increased  at  the  beginning 
of  the  special  drive  for  members  in  July,  1919,  to  $15.  This  fee  of  $15 
also  included  membership  in  the  state  association,  and  in  the  American 


202  HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

Farm  Bureau  Federation.  During  this  drive  a  membership  of  1,350 
was  obtained. 

Soon  after  the  organization  was  formed,  Delos  L.  James,  a  resident 
of  the  county  and  a  graduate  of  the  Illinois  College  of  Agriculture,  was 
employed  as  advisor  for  the  association.  He  served  in  this  capacity  for 
three  years.  At  the  beginning  of  1916  he  left  to  accept  the  position  of 
superintendent  on  ex-Gov.  Frank  0.  Lowden's  Sinnissippi  Farm  at 
Oregon,  111.  He  was  succeeded  by  Arthur  J.  Gafke,  of  Crow  Wing 
County,  Minnesota.  Mr.  Gafke  is  a  graduate  of  the  "Wisconsin  College 
of  Agriculture,  1910,  and  was  agricultural  advisor  in  Crow  Wing 
County,  Minnesota,  several  years.  He  came  to  McHenry  County  in 
1916  and  is  still  advisor  for  the  county  at  the  present  writing. 

Before  this  organization  was  formed  not  over  five  percent  of  the 
grain  sown  in  the  county  was  treated  for  smut.  At  the  present  time 
probably  not  five  percent  is  untreated.  This  treatment  has  resulted  in 
a  gain  of  approximately  500,000  bushels  of  grain  per  year  for  the  past 
two  or  three  years,  showing  a  good  gain  each  year.  The  number  of 
pure-bred  sires  used  in  the  county  is  four  times  as  great  as  were  used 
five  years  ago.  In  one  cow  testing  association  only  fifty  percent  of  the 
members  were  using  pure-bred  sires  at  the  beginning  of  the  work.  At 
the  close  of  the  year's  work  in  1917  all  but  one  of  the  members  had 
pure-bred  sires. 

The  census  of  1910  showed  an  acreage  in  the  county  of  ten  times  as 
much  timothy  as  alfalfa.  The  assessor's  book  for  1920  showed  more  than 
5,000  acres  seeded  to  alfalfa,  the  wonder  crop,  in  McHenry  County. 
More  than  1,000  acres  of  this  acreage  being  reported  from  McHenry 
Township.  The  wisdom  of  this  is  very  apparent  this  season  of  1921 
when  the  first  cutting  of  alfalfa  is  yielding  one  and  one-half  tons  or 
more  to  the  acre,  while  clover  right  beside  in  the  same  fields  is  yielding 
not  over  half  a  ton  to  the  acre.  This  first  cutting  on  some  farms  is  being 
sold  standing  at  prices  ranging  from  $15  to  $25  per  acre.  Along  with 
alfalfa  culture  was  begun  the  use  of  limestone. 

In  1917  between  30  and  40  cars  of  limestone  were  used  to  correct  the 
acidity  of  the  soil  and  to  permit  the  growth  of  bacteria  on  the  roots  of 
the  legumes,  the  function  of  which  is  to  draw  nitrogen  from  the  air  and 
make  it  available  for  the  use  of  the  plants.  Excellent  results  have  also 
been  obtained  by  the  judicious  use  of  i*ock  phosphate,'  of  which  nearly 
three  thousand  tons  have  been  used  in  the  county  during  the  past  five 
years. 

During  the  same  period  nearly  5,000  tons  of  limestone  have  been 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  203 

applied  to  McHenry  County  soils.  As  a  result  of  the  use  of  lime  and 
phosphate  a  much  better  quality  of  small  grain,  clover  and  corn  has 
been  produced.  The  yields  have  also  been  greatly  increased.  In  some 
instances  the  yields  have  nearly  doubled  those  of  five  and  six  years 
ago.  Herbert  Kiltz  just  doubled  the  yield  of  alfalfa  on  his  farm  south 
of  Woodstock  by  the  use  of  lime  and  rock  phosphate.  Good  results  have 
also  been  brought  about  by  the  proper  spraying  of  orchards.  Where 
it  has  been  done  thoroughly  the  codling  moth,  curculio  and  apple  scab 
have  been  practically  destroyed.  This  is  particularly  true  in  the 
orchards  of  Henry  Street,  Homer  Whipple,  Jacob  Olbrich,  R.  E.  Cor- 
lett,  Bert  Thomas,  Wm.  George,  Frank  Gustafson,  E.  G.  Turner,  and 
others. 

Two  standard  varieties  of  corn  adapted  to  the  soil  and  climate  have 
been  established  in  the  county,  namely  Murdock  (yellow)  and  Wis- 
consin No.  7  (white),  known  also  as  Silver  King.  This  is  the  outgrowth 
of  the  Boys'  and  Girls'  Club  work  which  was  started  in  1917  with  190 
plats.  The  boys  and  girls  sold  800  bushels  of  seed  corn  from  these  plats. 
The  yield,  even  in  1917,  a  very  poor  corn  year,  were  as  high  as  forty 
bushels  per  acre  of  dry  corn.  This  corn  was  acknowledged  to  be  the 
best  corn  raised  in  the  county  that  year.  In  the  spring  of  1918,  when 
good  seed  was  very  scarce,  the  Farm  Bureau  distributed  2,800  bushels 
of  seed  corn  among  the  farmers  of  the  county  at  cost  plus  the  actual 
expense  of  handling  the  corn.  This  project  was  financed  by  the  Amer- 
ican National  Bank  of  Woodstock,  the  corn  being  selected  from  sections 
where  it  would  be  best  adapted  to  McHenry  County  conditions.  Much 
improvement  has  been  made  in  the  general  yield  of  farm  crops  by  the 
increased  use  of  improved  seed. 

boys'  and  girls'  club  work 

Much  interest  was  manifested  in  the  Boys'  and  Girls'  Club  work. 
In  1917  135  girls  canned  between  8,000  and  9,000  quarts  mostly  vege- 
tables, a  large  part  of  which  would  otherwise  have  been  wasted.  The 
girls  did  this  work  themselves.  The  Boys'  and  Girls'  Club  work  in- 
creased to  such  an  extent  that  it  became  necessary  to  have  a  special  man 
to  take  charge  of  it.  T.  H.  Murray,  of  Harvard,  Illinois,  was  selected 
for  the  club  work  in  which  he  has  been  very  successful.  In  1918 
there  were  210  boys  and  girls  growing  Murdock  corn ;  350  boys  and  girls 
in  canning  clubs;  125  boys  and  girls  raising  pigs,  most  of  them  being 
pure-breds  and  being  raised  for  breeding  purposes.    In  1918  an  exhibit 


l'ii  I  HISTORY  OF  McHEXRY  COUNTY 

of  the  McHenry  County  Club  work  was  made  at  the  Illinois  State  Fair. 
This  exhibit  won  a  number  of  the  best  prizes,  including  first  on  Corn 
Club  Demonstration  work  by  Chemung  Township  Team.  Second,  on 
canning  demonstration  work  by  the  Ringwood  team ;  fourth  place  by  the 
McHenry  County  Club  in  the  pageant  representing  the  different  phases 
of  the  work ;  first  on  canned  fruit,  exhibit  by  the  Chemung  club ;  fourth 
on  canned  vegetables  by  the  Ringwood  team.  In  1920  more  than  700 
boys  and  girls  were  enrolled  in  the  club  work  which  included  Calf  Club, 
Pig  Club,  Tractor  Club,  Corn  Club,  Potato  Club,  Cow  Testing  and 
Judging  Club,  and  Garment  and  Canning  Club.  The  major  work  with  the 
boys  consisted  of  the  dairy  problems,  the  object  being  to  teach  them  how 
to  select,  judge,  buy,  feed  and  care  for  the  cows.  There  were  thirty- 
eight  entrants  in  the  judging  contest  at  the  county  fair.  Then  prizes  were 
awarded.  A  later  contest  was  held  at  Waleowis  Farms,  Lake  Geneva, 
Wisconsin.  Five  of  the  best  in  this  contest  were  sent  to  the  University 
of  Illinois  for  three  days'  training.  Four  of  these  were  selected  to  repre- 
sent the  state  at  the  National  Dairy  Show  against  nineteen  other  states. 
The  boys  in  this  team  were  from  ten  to  fifteen  years  of  age.  This  team 
won  first  on  judging  Holsteins;  second  on  all  breeds;  third  on  Guernseys. 
One  of  the  boys,  Edward  Schutt,  of  Harvard,  won  sixth  on  Holsteins; 
Carl  Anderson,  McHenry,  third  on  Holsteins;  Clarence  Doran,  Harvard, 
won  first  on  Holsteins;  second  on  Ayrshires,  third  on  all  breeds.  The 
team  representing  McHenry  County  won  more  places  than  any  other 
team  at  the  show.  Clarence  Doran  won  more  places  than  any  other  boy 
in  the  contest.  The  major  work  with  the  girls  was  sewing.  The  Corn 
Club  raised  over  2,000  bushels  of  corn  and  sold  387  bushels  for  seed. 
The  Pig  Club  produced  5,000  pounds  of  pork.  The  Potato  Club  raised 
760  bushels  of  potatoes.  The  Canning  Club  canned  6,103  quarts  of  fruits 
and  vegetables.  The  Garment  Club  made  631  garments.  The  Dairy 
Club  kept  records  on  feed  and  milk  production  on  437  cows.  The  club 
work  of  McHenry  County  ranks  first  in  Illinois.  This  has  been  splendid 
training  for  the  boys  and  girls  and  Mr.  Murray  is  entitled  to  great  credit 
for  the  success  of  the  club  work. 

McHenry  County  now  has  a  Farm  Bureau,  a  Home  Bureau,  a  County 
Holstein  Breeders  Association,  and  nine  subsidiary  organizations  as  fol- 
lows :  A  Federal  Farm  Loan  Association ;  A  Cow  Testing  Association ; 
A  Farmer's  Co-operative  Association,  and  six  Livestock  Shipping  Asso- 
ciations. Twenty-one  farmers  have  availed  themselves  of  the  privilege  of 
the  Federal  Farm  Loan  to  date.    $150,000  was  loaned  to  farmers  of  the 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  205 

county  during  the  first  eight  months.  Application  for  over  $100,000  more 
was  refused  pending  the  recent  court  decision. 

The  managers  of  the  Livestock  Shipping  Associations  at  the  various 
points  are  as  follows :  Marengo,  Max  Wilson ;  Harvard,  Adam  Weaver ; 
Woodstock,  Fern  Rogers;  Hebron,  Henry  Mickle;  Spring  Grove,  John 
Kattner ;  Pleasant  Valley,  F.  J.  Sleezer. 

Mr.  E.  A.  Carncross,  graduate  of  the  Wisconsin  College  of  Agricul- 
ture, 1912,  and  later  agricultural  advisor  at  Green  Bay,  Wis.,  was  em- 
ployed as  Assistant  Advisor  in  October,  1919.  He  had  charge  of  the  cow 
testing,  shipping  associations  and  other  livestock  work  which  he  handled 
in  a  satisfactory  manner.  Mr.  Carncross  resigned  early  in  1921  to  accept 
the  position  of  agricultural  advisor  in  Du  Page  County,  111.  The  officers 
of  the  McHenry  County  Farm  Bureau  since  its  organization  are  as  fol- 
lows: 1913,  H.  E.  Whipple,  Pres.;  T.  H.  Murray,  Vice  Pres.;  A.  M.  Shel- 
ton,  Secy. ;  Fremont  Hoy,  Treas.  1914,  H.  E.  Whipple,  Pres. ;  T.  H.  Mur- 
ray, Vice  Pres. ;  A.  M.  Shelton,  Secy. ;  Fremont  Hoy,  Treas.  1915,  H.  E. 
Whipple,  Pres. ;  T.  H.  Murray,  Vice  Pres. ;  A.  M.  Shelton,  Secy. ;  Fremont 
Hoy,  Treas.  1916,  H.  E.  Whipple,  Pres.;  T.  H.  Murray,  Vice  Pres.; 
A.  M.  Shelton,  Secy. ;  Fremont  Hoy,  Treas.  1917,  H.  E.  Whipple,  Pres. ; 
Wm.  Bonslett,  Vice  Pres.;  A.  M.  Shelton,  Secy.;  Fremont  Hoy,  Treas. 
1918,  H.  E.  Whipple,  Pres.;  John  R.  Wells,  Vice  Pres.;  D.  T.  Smiley, 
Secy. ;  Fremont  Hoy,  Treas.  1919,  H.  E.  Whipple,  Pres. ;  John  R.  Wells, 
Vice  Pres.;  D.  T.  Smiley,  Secy.;  John  M.  Hoy,  Treas.  1920,  H.  E. 
Whipple,  Pres.;  John  R.  Wells,  Vice  Pres.;  C.  W.  Gibbs,  Secy.;  Jacob 
Olbrich,  Treas.  1921,  John  R.  Wells,  Pres. ;  H.  C.  Gilkerson,  Vice  Pres. ; 
C.  W.  Gibbs,  Secy. ;  Jacob  Olbrich,  Treas. 

THE  MC  HENRY  COUNTY  HOLSTEIN  BREEDERS  ASSOCIATION 

A  county  Holstein  Breeders  Association  was  formed  about  ten  years 
ago,  and  in  1914  this  association  put  out  an  advertising  booklet  that  was 
not  surpassed  by  any  other  at  that  time,  and  the  association  had  a  good 
start  but  for  some  reason  it  was  allowed  to  go  down.  However,  in  the 
spring  of  1919  through  the  efforts  of  Advisor  Gafke  the  association  was 
reorganized  and  as  a  result  of  the  work  fifteen  or  more  of  the  members 
have  placed  their  herds  under  Federal  supervision.  It  is  the  determina- 
tion of  the  members  to  have  their  herds  placed  on  the  accredited  list  as 
being  free  from  tuberculosis.  Among  the  herds  so  tested  may  be  men- 
tioned F.  M.  Barber,  B.  L.  Thomas,  J.  O.  Tupper  and  Henry  Eppel, 
Woodstock;  W.  H.  Gardner,  Solon  Mills;  R.  W.  Stewart  and  A.  D. 


206  HISTORY  OF  McHENRT  COUNTY 

Cornue,  Hebron;  H.  C.  LaBrec  and  R.  E.  Corlett,  Harvard;  and  C.  W. 
Gibbs,  West  McHenry.  The  officers  ofi  the  Association  are  as  follows: 
President,  C.  W.  Gibbs,  West  McHenry;  Vice  President,  Don  Geyer, 
Crystal  Lake;  Second  Vice  President,  R.  E.  Corlett,  Harvard;  Secretary, 
R.  W.  Stewart,  Hebron ;  Treasurer,  B.  L.  Thomas,  Ringwood. 

MC  HENRY    COUNTY    HOME    BUREAU 

After  a  short  preliminary  organization  work  the  Home  Bureau  of 
McHenry  County  was  organized  in  June,  1918,  for  the  purpose  of  put- 
ting homemaking  on  a  sounder  basis.  The  officers  elected  the  first  year 
were,  President,  Mrs.  E.  E.  Seward,  Marengo;  Vice  President,  Mrs.  G. 
A.  Miller,  Woodstock;  Secretary,  Mrs.  Fred  B.  McConnell,  Woodstock; 
Treasurer,  Mrs.  Will  Hoy,  Huntley.  Executive  Committee:  Mrs.  D.  T. 
Smiley,  Woodstock;  Mrs.  E.  G.  Turner,  Richmond;  Mrs.  Jack  Walsh, 
McHenry ;  Mrs.  J.  C.  Furlong,  Spring  Grove ;  Mrs.  A.  J.  Gaf ke,  Wood- 
stock, and  Mrs.  W.  E.  Doyle,  Harvard.  Miss  Eva  Blair,  of  Sullivan,  111., 
was  employed  July  1,  1918,  as  Home  Advisor.  She  gave  lectures  and 
demonstrations  in  the  organized  townships  on  such  subjects  as  canning, 
household  equipment,  gardening  and  poultry  raising.  Under  her  direc- 
tion special  schools  in  poultry  raising  and  clothing  conservation  were 
carried  on  with  the  help  of  specialists  from  the  university  of  Illinois. 
During  the  war  the  problems  of  the  Home  Bureau  were  mostly  those  of 
conservation  of  food  and  clothing.  After  the  war  its  activities  were 
broadened  to  assist  in  the  development  of  all  sides  of  home  life  and  to 
cooperate  with  all  organizations  intended  to  benefit  the  community.  In 
July,  1919,  Miss  Blair  left  to  become  Assistant  State  Leader  in  Extension 
Work  in  West  Virginia,  and  Mrs.  Mary  B.  Dalbey  was  employed  as  Home 
Advisor.  Special  effort  has  since  been  put  upon  beautifying  home 
grounds,  home  management,  and  child  welfare.  As  a  result  of  the  child 
welfare  work  hundreds  of  children  have  been  weighed  and  measured,  and 
the  hot  school  lunch  has  been  established  in  many  of  the  rural  and  town 
schools.  The  Home  Bureau  office  was  combined  with  the  Woman's  Club 
Rest  Room  in  the  courthouse  at  Woodstock,  making  a  convenient  place  to 
come  for  help  in  Home  Economic.  The  officers  for  the  year  beginning 
July,  1920,  are  as  follows :  President,  Mrs.  Henry  Echternach,  Marengo ; 
Vice  President,  Mrs.  G.  A.  Miller,  Woodstock;  Secretary,  Mrs.  L.  A. 
Stockwell,  Marengo;  Treasurer,  Mrs.  E.  G.  Turner,  Richmond;  The 
Executive  Committee,  Mrs.  Jack  Walsh,  McHenry;  Mrs.  B.  C.  Bottum, 
Woodstock;  Mrs.  M.  G.  Shipton,  Woodstock;  Miss  Mary  Stevens,  Ma- 
rengo; Mrs.  Frank  Silliman,  Woodstock. 


,,x.,  ■>.-■■• 


ip 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  207 

AGRICULTURAL   SOCIETIES 

The  McHenry  County  Agricultural  Society  was  organized  in  1852. 
Capt.  William  H.  Stewart  and  Colonel  J.  M.  Strode  were  appointed  on 
the  organizing  committee,  but  most  of  the  work  devolved  on  Captain 
Stewart,  who  drafted  the  constitution  and  by-laws  and  was  the  prime 
mover  in  a  laudable  enterprise.  He  became  the  society's  first  secretary 
and  treasurer.  William  Jackson  was  elected  the  first  president.  This 
organization  remained  as  an  agricultural  society  until  1874,  when  it 
availed  itself  of  the  offer  made  by  the  State,  and  then  was  under  the 
name  of  the  "Agricultural  Board  of  McHenry  County."  For  several 
years  after  organizing  the  society  held  its  fairs  in  the  streets  of  various 
villages  of  the  county.  Rail  pens  were  built  to  hold  the  live  stock,  and 
rooms  were  rented  in  which  to  exhibit  the  "fine  arts."  By  1859  the 
society  with  the  county  had  grown  materially  so  that  this  society  pur- 
chased ten  acres  of  land,  which  formed  a  part  of  the  later  fair  grounds 
so  much  appreciated  by  the  county — just  to  the  east  of  the  city  of  Wood- 
stock. There  they  built  better  shedding  for  the  stock  and  held  their 
annual  fairs  until  1866,  when  they  organized  a  life  membership,  with  an 
admittance  fee  of  $20.  Over  one  hundred  names  were  added  to  this  list, 
and  this  allowed  the  society  to  afford  better  accommodations,  to  enlarge 
its  grounds  which  was  carried  out  by  purchasing  five  acres  to  the  south 
of  the  first  tract.  They  also  then  erected  an  agricultural  hall,  observa- 
tory, ticket  office,  etc.  In  about  1868  the  society  bought  seven  acres  more 
to  the  north,  making  twenty-two  acres  in  all.  Here  one  finds  a  good  half- 
mile  track  and  here  have  been  held  some  of  the  largest  fairs  in  Illinois. 
Other  improvements  have  been  made  with  the  passing  years  and  much 
interest  has  been  manifested  and  doubtless  much  of  the  present  high 
standard  of  farm-life  in  the  "Kingdom  of  McHenry"  has  been  due  to  the 
efforts  of  those  who  have  kept  the  county  fairs  alive,  until  the  younger 
generation  has  caught  the  spirit  of  the  age,  and  are  not  satisfied  with 
less  than  the  best  in  everything  pertaining  to  county  fairs. 

Under  the  first  society,  the  last  executive  board  was  composed  of  the 
following:  D.  E.  Peck,  Thomas  McD.  Richards,  J.  A.  Wood,  E.  H. 
Seward,  Robert  Stewart,  Richard  Wray,  E.  Buck  and  J.  E.  Beckley. 
This  was  in  1872  when  the  old  society  changed  to  the  new  order  of  things 
and  was  thereafter  known  as  the  McHenry  County  Agricultural  Board. 

The  amounts  paid  in  premiums  in  the  early  years  of  the  fair  were 
very  liberal  considering  the  fact  that  very  little  encouragement  was  given 
county  fairs  through  state  appropriation.     Prior  to  1907  $200  was  the 


208  HISTORY  OP  McIIEXRY  COUNTY 

largest  appropriation  any  county  or  district  fair  could  receive  from  the 
state  and  all  received  the  same  amount  regardless  of  merit.  In  1907 
McHenry  County  started  the  organization  known  as  The  Illinois  Asso- 
ciation of  Agricultural  Fairs.  This  organization  secured  a  state  appro- 
priation for  each  fair  of  a  sum  equal  to  forty  percent  of  the  amount  paid 
in  premiums.  This  was  afterward  increased  to  sixty  percent  on  the 
first  $1,000 ;  fifty  percent  on  the  second  $1,000  j  fort}'  percent  on  the  third 
$1,000 ;  and  thirty  percent  on  the  fourth  $1,000  paid  out  in  premiums.  In 
1867  the  amount  paid  for  premiums  at  the  McHenry  County  Fair  was 
$866.50;  in  1868  it  was  $637.39;  in  1875  it  was  $1,180.79;  in  the  period 
from  1895  to  1901  from  $1,400  to  $1,600  was  paid  out  for  premiums  not 
counting  the  money  expended  for  speed.  From  1903  to  1910,  George  A. 
Hunt,  Secretary,  the  premiums  were  increased  from  $1,800  to  $3,100  per 
year.  In  1911,  1912,  1913  and  1914,  Theodore  Hamer,  Secretary,  the 
premiums  were  $3,014,  $3,028,  $3,746  and  $3,654.  In  1915,  P.  R.  Forman, 
Secretary,  $3,019  was  paid  in  premiums;  in  1916,  W.  C.  Bartelt,  Secre- 
tary, $1,948  was  the  amount  paid.  In  1917,  P.  R.  Forman,  Secretary, 
$1,696.50  was  paid  in  premiums.  In  1918,  Guy  E.  Still,  Secretary, 
$1,110.70  was  paid  in  premiums.  In  the  years  1919  and  1920,  Hoyt  E. 
Morris,  Secretary,  $2,255  and  $3,427.75  were  the  amounts  paid. 

During  the  years  1903  to  1910,  inclusive,  improvements  to  the  value 
of  over  $10,000  were  placed  on  the  grounds  of  the  society.  The  names  of 
the  presidents  and  secretaries  of  the  McHenry  County  Fair  since  1867, 
are  as  follows : 

1867,  William  M.  Jackson,  Pres. ;  C.  H.  Russell,  Secy.  1868,  James 
Crow,  Pres.;  E.  E.  Richards,  Secy.  1869,  James  Crow,  Pres.;  E.  E. 
Richards,  Secy.  1870,  James  Crow,  Pres.;  E.  E.  Richards,  Seey.  1871, 
James  Crow,  Pres.;  E.  E.  Richards,  Secy.  1872,  James  Crow,  Pres.; 
W.  H.  Stewart,  Secy.  1873,  James  Crow,  Pres. ;  W.  H.  Stewart,  Secy. 
1874,  James  Crow,  Pres. ;  Asa  W.  Smith,  Secy.  1875,  James  Crow,  Pres. ; 
Asa  W.  Smith,  Seey.  1876,  L.  Woodard,  Pres.;  E.  E.  Richards,  Secy. 
1877,  James  Crow,  Pres.;  Andrew  Bourne,  Secy.  1878,  James  Crow. 
Pres.;  Andrew  Bourne,  Secy.  1879,  J.  S.  Wheat,  Pres.;  L.  J.  Gates, 
Secy.  1880,  Thos.  McD.  Richards,  Pres. ;  W.  H.  Stewart,  Secy.  1881, 
Thos.  McD.  Richards,  Pres.;  A.  S.  Wright,  Secy.  1882,  Thos.  McD. 
Richards,  Pres. ;  A.  S.  Wright,  Sec.  1883,  Thos.  McD.  Richards,  Pres. ; 
A.  S.  Wright,  Seey.  1884,  Thos.  McD.  Richards,  Pres.;  A.  S.  Wright, 
Seey.  1885,  James  Crow,  Pres.;  A.  S.  Wright,  Secy.  1886,  Thos.  McD. 
Richards,  Pres.;  A.  S.  Wright,  Secy.  1887.  Thos.  McD.  Richards, 
Pres.;  A.  S.  Wright,  Secy.     1888,  Thos.  McD.  Richards,  Pres.;  A.  S. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  209 

Wright,  Secy.  1889,  Fred  Hatch,  Pres.;  A.  S.  Wright,  Secy.  1890, 
Fred  Hatch,  Pres. ;  A.  F.  Field,  Secy.  1891,  Fred  Hatch,  Pres. ;  A.  F. 
Field,  Secy.  1892,  Fred  Hatch,  Pres. ;  A.  F.  Field,  Secy.  1893,  Andrew 
Bourne,  Pres. ;  T.  D.  McRichards,  Secy.  1894,  R.  J.  Beck,  Pres. ;  G.  B. 
Richards,  Secy.  1895,  R.  J.  Beck,  Pres. ;  G.  B.  Richards,  Secy.  1896, 
R.  J.  Beck,  Pres. ;  G.  B.  Richards,  Secy.  1897,  R.  J.  Beck.  Pres. ;  D.  T. 
Smiley,  Secy.  1898,  M.  Zimpelinann,  Pres. ;  A.  S.  Wright,  Secy.  1899, 
M.  Zimpelmann,  Pres. ;  A.  S.  Wright,  Secy.  1900,  M.  Zimpelinann,  Pres. ; 
A.  S.  Wright,  Secy.  1901,  Fred  Hatch,  Pres. ;  F.  G.  Arnold,  Secy.  1902, 
Fred  Hatch,  Pres. ;  F.  G.  Arnold,  Secy.  1903,  Fred  Hatch,  Pres. ;  Geo.  A. 
Hunt,  Secy.  1904,  William  Desmond,  Pres. ;  Geo.  A.  Hunt,  Secy.  1905, 
William  Desmond,  Pres. ;  Geo.  A.  Hunt,  Secy.  1906,  William  Desmond, 
Pres. ;  Geo.  A.  Hunt,  Secy.  1907,  William  Desmond,  Pres. ;  Geo.  A.  Hunt, 
Secy.  1908,  William  Desmond,  Pres. ;  Geo.  A.  Hunt,  Secy.  1909,  William 
Desmond,  Pres.;  Geo.  A.  Hunt,  Secy.  1910,  William  Desmond,  Pres.; 
Geo.  A.  Hunt,  Secy.  1911,  Ben  Throop,  Pres. ;  Theo.  Hamer,  Secy.  1912, 
Ben  Throop,  Pres. ;  Theo.  Hamer,  Secy.  1913,  Ben  Throop,  Pres. ;  Theo. 
Ilamer,   Secy.     1914,   Ben   Throop,   Pres.;    Theo.   Hamer,    Secy.      1915, 

D.  L.  James,. Pres. ;  P.  R.  Fornian,  Secy.  1916,  Frank  J.  Green,  Pres.; 
W.  C.  Bartelt,  Secy.  1917,  Frank  J.  Green,  Pres. ;  P.  R.  Forman,  Secy. 
1918,  Frank  J.  Green,  Pres.;  Guy  E.  Still,  Secy.  1919,  C.  W.  Harrison, 
Pres.;  Hoyt  E.  Morris,  Secy.  1920,  F.  A.  Walters,  Pres.;  Hoyt  E. 
Morris,  Secy.    1921,  F.  A.  Walters,  Pres. ;  Hoyt  E.  Morris,  Secy. 

To  A.  S.  Wright  belongs  the  distinction  of  having  served  the  society 
as  secretary  longer  than  any  other  incumbent  of  the  office.  He  was  first 
elected  in  1880  and  served  for  the  years  1881  to  1889  inclusive,  making 
nine  consecutive  years,  and  again  in  1898,  1899  and  1900,  making  twelve 
years  of  service  for  the  association.  Mr.  Wright  made  an  ideal  secretary 
and  was  a  persistent  advertiser.  During  the  years  in  which  he  officiated 
as  secretary,  and  by  his  invitation  the  association  had  the  honor  of  enter- 
taining many  noted  men.  In  1882  General  Oglesby,  General  Black, 
Gen.  J.  C.  Smith,  General  Raum,  General  Chetlain,  General  Beem,  and 
the  French  Consul,  Edmond  Bruevaert,  were  guests  of  the  fair.  In  1883 
General  Longstreet,  Governor  Hamilton,  Hon.  David  Littler,  Gen.  Clark 

E.  Carr,  and  ex-minister  Washburn  were  the  association's  guests.  In 
1884  Gen.  John  A.  Logan,  General  Black,  General  Torrance,  General 
Beem  and  Governor  Fairchild  were  the  guests  of  honor.  In  1886  Hon. 
A.  J.  Hopkins,  and  in  1887  Hon.  Samuel  Randall  of  Pennsylvania,  Hon. 
A.  E.  Stevenson,  Vice  President  of  the  United  States  from  1893  to  1897, 
Congressman  William  Springer,  Congressman  Joseph  G.  Cannon,  and 


.'1(1 


BISTORT?  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


Hon.  Joseph  Fifer  were  the  county's  guests.  In  1889  Gen.  Russel  A. 
Alger,  and  Lt,  Gov.  Lyman  Kay  visited  the  fair.  Senator  Shelby  M. 
Cullom,  of  Illinois,  and  Senator  "Long"  .lours  of  Wisconsin,  visited  the 
fair  in  1899  and  gave  addresses  to  the  old  Bettlers  of  whom  more  than 
300  registered  their  names  at  the  Secretary's  office.  Gov.  Frank  0. 
Low  den  visited  the  fair  in  1917.  Gov.  John  M.  Palmer  of  Illinois, 
Governor  St.  John  of  Kansas,  Gov.  Richard  Yates  and  many  other  noted 
nun  have  visited  McHenry  County  at  various  times  as  guests  of  the 
county  fair. 

There  is  a  strong  probability  that  the  Fair  Association  will  be  incor- 
porated as  a  stock  company  in  the  near  future.  If  this  is  clone  it  will 
undoubtedly  result  in  a  better  business  organization  and  with  the  strong 
movement  under  way  for  road  improvement,  and  the  increasing  use  of 
automobiles  the  future  success  of  the  fair  should  be  assured. 

MC  BENRY  COUNTY  MEN  WHO  HAVE  SERVED  AS  OFFICERS  AT  STATE  AND 

OTHER  FAIRS 


M.  Zimpelman  of  Marengo  was  Vice  President  of  the  Illinois  State 
Fair  from  the  Eleventh  District  and  Superintendent  of  Machinery  for 
the  years  1889  and  1900.  He  was  succeeded  the  following  year  by  C.  F. 
Dike  of  Crystal  Lake  who  served  as  Vice  President  from  this  District  and 
served  as  Superintendent  of  Machinery  for  sixteen  consecutive  years,  or 
until  his  death  which  occurred  March  6,  1916.  Charles  Gilkerson,  of 
Marengo  was  Assistant  Superintendent  of  Dairy  Products  at  the  Illinois 
State  Fair  for  the  years  1908,  1909,  1910  and  1911.  He  was  also  Super- 
intendent of  Dairy  Products  at  the  National  Dairy  Show  at  Chicago  for 
several  years,  also  at  Springfield,  Massachusetts  and  Columbus,  Ohio. 
George  A.  Hunt,  of  Woodstock,  made  exhibits  of  agricultural  products 
for  McHenry  County  at  the  Illinois  State  Fair  in  1901  and  1902,  winning 
first  premium  for  the  county  both  years.  The  exhibit  for  1902  consisted 
of  six  tons  of  products.  A  reproduction  of  this  exhibit  was  made  at  the 
McHenry  County  Fair  in  1903.  The  grains  and  grasses  and  the  samples 
of  wood  from  this  exhibit  wei-e  selected  by  the  Illinois  Commission  to  show 
at  the  World's  Fair  at  St.  Louis,  1904.  Mr.  Hunt  was  appointed  Super- 
intendent of  Illinois  Dairy  Products  for  the  World's  Fair  at  St.  Louis, 
1904.  The  spectacular  feature  of  this  exhibit  was  the  bust  statues  of 
President  Grant  and  President  Lincoln,  made  with  pure  creamery  butter. 
Mr.  Hunt  secured  the  services  of  the  well  known  sculptor,  Leonard 
Crunelle,  for  this  work. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  211 

MARENGO    AGRICULTURAL    BOARD 

111  1872  a  Driving  Park  Association  was  formed  in  the  village  of 
Marengo,  consisting  of  J.  M.  Anderson,  R.  M.  Patrick,  T.  II.  St.  John, 
L.  W.  Sheldon,  A.  H.  Vail,  Calvin  Gilbert,  S.  K.  Bartholomew,  W.  A. 
Boice,  Calvin  Spencer  and  a  few  others.  The  association  leased  of  Cal- 
vin Spencer  for  a  term  of  years;  also  went  to  considerable  expense  in 
grading  the  track  and  erecting  an  amphitheatre,  but  after  holding  two 
exhibitions  found  it  to  be  a  financial  failure.  The  association  dissolved, 
and  the  property  and  lease  fell  into  the  hands  of  a  few  of  the  former 
members,  who  tried  to  run  it  for  a  time,  hoping  that  foreign  horsemen 
might  come  in  and  take  it  off  their  hands.  Failing  in  this  they  turned 
the  property  over  to  an  Agricultural  Board  which  was  soon  formed  at 
Marengo,  consisting  of  A.  Jones,  R.  M.  Patrick,  E.  H.  Seward  and  Calvin 
Spencer.  These  gentleman  ran  the  grounds  three  seasons  longer,  when 
a  state  charter  was  secured  and  220  shares  of  stock  were  issued  at  $10 
per  share.  Under  this  plan  Marengo  held  several  excellent  annual 
fairs,  but  between  1885  and  1890  the  enterprise  was  discontinued.  Their 
mile  track  was  the  wonder  of  horsemen  everywhere.  They  had  an  amphi- 
theatre holding  1,000  people,  and  ninety  box  stalls. 

KISHWAUKEB   FARMERS'    CLUB 

This  was  the  name  given  to  a  club  formed  in  March,  1875,  in  Marengo 
Township,  through  the  efforts  of  Messrs.  Israel  Boice,  T.  McD.  Richards 
and  Patterson  Pringle,  who  met  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Richards  early  that 
spring,  and  after  discussing  the  feasibility  of  the  matter  among  them- 
selves, selected  fifteen  of  the  best  neighboring  farmers  to  join  them. 
Their  plans  were  heartily  accepted  by  all,  and  it  was  not  long  before 
the  club  had  a  membership  of  more  than  fifty  farmers.  They  held  their 
meetings  once  a  month,  at  the  residence  of  some  of  their  members,  where 
they  discussed  in  a  friendly  manner  various  modes  of  farming,  in  all 
branches  of  agriculture,  horticulture,  stockraising,  dairy  business,  etc. 

Some  member  was  appointed  at  a  previous  date  to  prepare  or  secure 
a  lecture  on  some  given  topic  and  this  was  read  at  the  next  meeting.  The 
wives  and  daughters  of  the  members  had  a  part  in  the  work,  as  well 
as  the  men,  for  they,  it  was  supposed,  would  furnish  the  "eats"  for  as 
many  as  might  be  present,  and  this  they  did  with  cheerfulness.  The 
first  one  to  act  as  president  of  this  early  farmers'  club  was  Thomas  McD. 
Richards,  and  he  held  the  position  for  six  years,  and  was  succeeded  by 


212 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


It.  M.  Patrick.    Great  good  among  the  fanners  of  southwestern  McHenry 
County  was  the  result  of  this  early  club. 

FAK.M    STATISTICS 


George  A.  Hunt,  who  had  charge  of  the  county  agricultural  exhibits 
at  the  Illinois  State  Fair  in  1901  and  1902,  and  Director  of  Farm 
Institutes  fur  the  Eleventh  Congressional  District  published  a  neat 
booklet  which  accompanied  the  exhibit  from  McHenry  County,  and  that 
publication  contained  many  facts,  including  the  following: 

"The  area  of  McHenry  County  is  G12  square  miles.  Its  population 
is  about  30,000.  (The  present  population  of  McHenry  County,  as  shown 
by  the  Federal  Census  of  1920,  is  33,164.)  The  chief  industries  are 
agriculture,  dairying  and  stockraising,  nevertheless  there  arc  a  large 
number  of  manufacturing  establishments  in  this  county,  where  many 
persons  are  employed.  The  soil  over  a  large  portion  of  the  county  is 
a  deep  dark  loam  with  clay  sub-soil  admirably  adapted  to  retain  mois- 
ture. There  is  very  little  untillable  land  and  a  crop  failure  has  never 
been  known." 

In  speaking  of  crops,  Mr.  Hunt  remarks  that  "Corn  is  the  staple 
one,  100,000  acres  being  devoted  to  it ;  average  per  acre  from  forty  to 
fifty  bushels,  making  a  total  of  from  four  to  five  million  bushels  per 
year.  The  oats  crop  is  second  in  importance,  the  acreage  being  50,000 
acres  with  an  average  yield  of  from  thirty-five  to  forty-five  bushels  per 
acre.    The  total  crop  is  usually  about  2,000,000  bushels  of  oats." 

"About  2,000  acres  are  devoted  to  Irish  potatoes  which  go  as  high 
as  300  bushels  per  acre  and  sell  at  an  average  price  of  from  forty  to 
eighty  cents  per  bushel"   (remember,  this  was  written  in  1901). 

At  the  time  this  booklet  was  written  there  were  more  creameries  in 
McHenry  County  than  in  any  other  county  in  the  United  States.  At 
the  present  writing  there  is  not  a  creamery  in  active  operation  in  the 
county. 

The  wages  paid  farm  hands  are  twenty  per  cent  higher  than  in  cen- 
tral Illinois  and  thirty-five  per  cent  higher  than  in  southern  Illinois. 

McHenry  County  has  about  75,000  head  of  cattle;  10,000  head  of 
sheep;  17,000  horses;  100,000  hogs;  poultry  and  eggs  sold  to  fully 
$100,000  besides  all  that  are  consumed  in  the  farmers'  homes. 

This  county  is  in  the  center  of  the  dairy  region  of  the  world.  The 
county  has  over  50,000  cows,  from  which  comes  200. 000, 000  pounds  of 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  213 

milk  annually,  bringing  a  revenue  to  the  farmers  of  between  $3,500,000 
and  $4,000,000  annually  for  this  product  alone. 

Again  in  1914,  in  a  book  prepared  for  the  Holstein  Breeders'  Asso- 
ciation, he  states:  "McIIeijry  County,  Illinois,  is  in  the  center  of  the 
greatest  dairy  region  of  the  world.  This  county  contains  more  than 
50,000  cows,  producing  over  200,000  tons  of  milk  annually,  a  large  por- 
tion of  which  finds  its  way  to  the  Chicago  market." 

"registered"  farm  names 

Under  a  recent-time  legislative  provision  any  farmer  who  pays  a 
recording  fee  of  $1  is  entitled  to  have  his  landed  estate  given  a  select 
name — no  two  to  be  alike  in  the  same  county — and  the  same  property 
recorded  in  the  book  made  on  purpose  and  kept  in  the  county  recorder's 
office.  Also  he  is  entitled  to  a  printed  certificate  of  the  same,  showing 
name,  name  of  farm,  and  location  of  same.  Many  of  the  landowners 
here  have  taken  out  such  certificates  and  had  them  neatly  framed  and 
hung  upon  their  home  walls.  Up  to  this  date  (1921)  the  following  is  a 
list  of  such  registered  farms,  the  numerals  refer  to  section,  township  and 
range  of  such  tracts  of  land  : 

Hill  Crest— 20-44-6— Ben  LeRoy  Andrews. 

Oak  Lawn— 20-44-6— Philip  W.  Andrews. 

Spring  Brook— 32-43-9— Charles  W.  Albright. 

Meadow  Park— 9-45-7— O.  H.  Aavang. 

Twin  Oak  Farm— 13-46-8— W.  J.  Aylward. 

Hillside— 27-46-8— Carl  Anderson. 

Maple  View— 9-45-8— Herbert  W.  Allen. 

Arbor  Lodge— 10-45-8— Herbert  W.  Allen. 

Walnut  Knoll  Stock  Farm — 22-44-5 — George  D.  Beldin. 

Silver  Spring  Farm — 6-43-9 — Darwin  E.  Brown. 

Spring  Lake  Daily  Farm — 23-43-9 — C.  L.  Bratzler. 

Spring  Hill  Farm— 11-45-7 — Frank  M.  Barber. 

Evergreen  Farm — 31-44-6 — P.  R.  Boies. 

.Maple  Shade  Farm— 6  and  7-43-6— W.  A.  Boies. 

Olenburg  Farm — 13-44-7 — Alfred  Bergquist. 

Theoforda— 27-45-5— Raymond  Brickley. 

Hill  Crest  Poultry  Farm— 25-44-9— C.  E.  Behan. 

Woodlands  Dairy  Farm— 6-44-8— J.  F.  Claxton. 

Nippersink  Farm— 30-46-9— Estate  of  Franklin  M.  Cole. 

Highwood — 7-44-8 — M.  Conley. 


214  HISTORY  OF  McHEXRY  COUNTY 

Maplehurst — 11-4;")-.") — Minnie  E.  Carmack. 

Near  Brook  Farm — 15-45-5 — Minnie  E.  Carmack. 

Elmhurst — 1-44-9— H.  E.  Clemens. 

Maywood  Farm — 1-46-6 — Arthur  D.  Connie. 

The  Four  Oaks— 35-45-8— R.  G.  Chamberlain. 

Lakewood  Farm-  22-45-8-  Fred  J.  Colby. 

Meadowmere — 2-45-5 — Russell  and  Blanche  Diggins. 

Greenwood  Farm — 10-45-7 — Guy  Dygert. 

Kishwaukee  Stock  Farm — 26-44-5 — Ethel  M.  Echternach. 

Crystal  Springs  Farm — 32-45-8 — Elmer  J.  Fellows. 

Lake  View  Farm— 21-45-8— E.  P.  Flanders. 

Oak  Glen  Farm— 16-44-8— Turner  Flanders. 

Riverside  Dairy  Farm — 26-45-8 — Stephen  H.  Freund. 

Twin  Pine  Farm— 23-46-6— Roy  R.  Fink. 

Bur  Oak — 30-44-7 — John  Ferguson. 

The  Gardner  Farm— 27-46-8—  Willis  H.  Gardner. 

Silver  Crest — 24-44-8 — George  J.  Garrison. 

Pleasant  View — 7-44-7 — Christian  Gasser. 

Gayland  Farm— 22-45-5— G.  A.  Gay. 

Pleasant  Grove  Farm — 6-43-6 — Charles  Gilkerson. 

Oak  Ridge — 17-45-8 — George  H.  Harrison. 

Oak  Mound — 5-45-8 — George  H.  Harrison. 

Meadow  Lawn — 5-45-8 — Charles  N.  Harrison. 

Three  Oaks— 9-45-8— Ora  D.  Harrison. 

West  View— 35-45-6— Emery  J.  Heaton. 

Hermonsou  Dairy  Farm — 9-45-5 — Andrew  A.  Hermonson. 

Riverside  Farm— 33-44-5— G.  W.  Hamlin. 

Inter  Prairie  Farm— 27-43-7. 

Griswold  Lake  Farm— 27-43-7— A.  H.  Hale. 

Cloverland  Farm— 33-44-8— Mary  L.  Hale. 

The  Pines— 20-44-8— G.  H.  Hillebrand. 

Oak  Grove  Farm— 36-46-7— C.  C.  Hunt. 

Crystal  Brook  Farm— 20-43-8— Edwin  Hall  Estate. 

Shadow  Lawn — 1-45-5 — D.  I.  Hine. 

Emerald  Court— 36-46-5— Mrs.  A.  J.  Hoban. 

Cozy  Nook— 29-46-8— Charles  F.  Krohm. 

Cloverdale — 22-44-7 — James  B.  Loomis. 

Sunny  View  Poultry  Place— Wilber  H.  Levey.     (In  Ridgefield.) 

Grand   View— 22-46-8— Earl  E.  Monear. 

Cold  Springs— 12-44-7— Cora  L.  Mason. 


0  4 


tLAA^t^^z^ 


■ 


HISTORY  OF  MoHENRY  COUNTY  215 

Ardmore— 24-44-8— George  L.  Murphy. 

Bellevue— 14-45-6— George  L.  Murphy. 

Rosedale— 15-45-6— George  L.  Murphy. 

Sorek— 29-45-7— George  L.  Murphy. 

Lismore— 19-45-7— George  L.  Murphy. 

Carmel— 32-45-7— George  L.  Murphy. 

Brookfield— 7-45-7— George  L.  Murphy. 

Oakwood  Farm— 21-45-8— Clinton  E.  Martin. 

Walnut  Grove  Dairy  Farm— 25-43-6— J.  M.  Marsh. 

The  Lindens— 2-43-5— Dr.  CO  Miller. 

Hillside  View  Farm— 12-44-5— John  L.  Madison. 

The  Maples— 31-45-6— Robert  F.  Marshall. 

Oakside  Farm— 17-44-7— Charles  E.  Marks. 

Elm  Lawn— 20-43-8— Mrs.  F.  E.  Martin. 

Frary  Dale— township  43,  range  8— Laura  E.  Munshaw. 

Merrilldale— 23-45-5— F.  S.  Merrill. 

Windham  Farm — 25-46-5— James  H.  Moore. 

Sunny  Crest— 8-45-8 — Burton  McCannon. 

Fairview — 4-45-8 — Grace  McCannon. 

North  View— 24-44-8— James  W.  McNish. 

Walnut  Hill  Stock  Farm— 10-45-7— M.  W.  Newman. 

Highland  Park  Dairy  Farm— 28-46-8— C.  L.  Osborn. 

Lilac  Hill— 9-46-5— Jacob  Olbrich. 

Silver  Spring  Dairy  Farm— 14-43-5— S.  P.  Olesen. 

Sunnyside— 34-45-8— Chas.  L.  Page. 

Shady  Lawn  Farm— 31-46-5— Mrs.  M.  J.  Paul. 

Cozy  Dale  Farm— 33-45-7— Frank  Piska. 

Evergreen  Acres — 31-44-5 — Frederick  Pulse. 

Lakeside — 22-45-8 — Caroline  M.  Petersen. 

Clover  Brook  Farm— 24-46-8— H.  G.  Reading. 

Meadow  Brook  Farm— 24-46-8— H.  G.  Reading. 

Menoken  Stock  Farm— 16-46-6— John  C.  Ross. 

Crystal  Brook  Farm— 20-43-8— David  Reid. 

Hickory  Grove— 14-43-6— Charles  W.  Rugh. 

Meadow  Brook  Dairy  Farm— 13-43-6— The  Riley  Est. 

Prairie  View — 5-45-8 — Lncella  A.  Stephenson. 

Seebert's  Caryview  Dairy  Farm— 13-43-8— Mrs.  Georgia  C.  Seebert. 

Oak  Hill  Farm— 13-46-5— Fred  N.  Smith. 

Mayflower  Farm— 20-44-6— E.  B.  Standish. 

Garden  of  Eden— 17-46-9— J.  W.  Sanborn. 


216  HISTORY  OF   MrHEXRY   COFXTY 

West   I, awn   Farm — 25-45-5 — Alice  B.  Stevenson. 

Waveland  Farm-    6-45-5 — Ole  A.  Stalheim. 

Florintine— 18-46-7— J.  N.  Turner. 

Ingleside — 12-4.">-7 — B.  L.  Thomas. 

Glen  View  Farm— 27-46-8— Reuben  R.  Turner. 

Maple  Dale— 36-46-7— Charles  H.  Thompson. 

Hazel  Ridgi — 24-46-8— E.  G.  Turner. 

(lover  Hill   Farm— 30-45-8— F.  15.  Thompson. 

Waverly  Stock  Farm— 22-46-6— W  D.  Thompson. 

.Maple  Lawn— 32-46-6— Milo  M.  Wakeley. 

Grovelaud   Stock   Farm— 10-44-7— Frank    White   &  Son. 

Hill  Crest  Stock  Farm — 4-44-8— W.  E.  Whiting. 

Willobrook  Farm— 12-45-8— William  Walkington. 

Bighland  Stock  Farm— 2-44-8— Walter  .1.  Walsh. 

Fairholme  Farm — 11-45-5 — Flora  E.  Whipple. 

Overlook— 13-45-5— H.  E.  Whipple. 

The  Spring— 16-46-6-^J.  F.  Westphall. 

Improvement — 23-43-5 — W.  H.  Weaver. 

Oakland  Farm— 33-44-8— John  M.  Walkup. 

Orchard  Knob— 13-46-8— Walter  E.  Winn. 

East  Acres— 36-46-6— Randall  D.  Weitzel. 

Level  Acres — 33-45-6 — John  C.  Widmayer. 


CHAPTER  XIV 

DAIRY  AND  LIVE  STOCK  INTERESTS 

By  W.  J.  Kittle 

LEADING   INDUSTRY DIFFERENCE   IN    METHODS EARLY   AND  LATER   DAY    IN- 
TERESTS  FORMER   CHEESE  AND  BUTTER  ACTIVITIES — RADICAL   CHANGE 

PIONEER    SHIPPERS — INTELLIGENT    DAIRYING DAIRY    INTERESTS — IMPOR- 
TANCE   OF   DAIRY    COW. 

LEADING  INDUSTRY 

The  leading  industry  of  this  county  is  dairying,  which  gives  it  a 
commanding  position.  Dairying  is  carried  on  so  extensively  that  the 
county  is  said  to  have  more  cows  per  acre  than  any  other  county  in  the 
United  States.  While  since  its  early  days  the  farmers  of  the  county 
have  been  engaged  in  dairying,  and  marketed  their  product  direct,  at 
present  they  are  disposing  of  their  milk  to  the  large  city  dealers  and 
condensaries.  The  city  dealers  have  many  bottling  and  receiving  plants 
located  throughout  the  county.  These,  with  two  condensing  plants, 
furnish  the  points  at  which  the  dairymen  deliver  their  milk  daily,  and 
at  these  plants  the  milk  is  prepared  for  the  city  consumers,  or  is  manu- 
factured into  condensed  and  evaporated  products. 

DIFFERENCES  IN  METHODS 

There  is  a  great  difference  between  modern  methods  of  handling  milk, 
and  those  which  prevailed  many  years  ago,  owing  in  part  to  state  regula- 
tions, and  also  to  the  education  of  the  farmer  who  has  learned  how  to 
care  for  his  stock  and  milk  according  to  sanitary  ideas.  Some  of  the 
finest  equipped  dairy  farms  in  the  country  are  in  McIIenry  County,  and 
several  of  them  are  rated  as  model  agricultural  plants.  As  long  ago 
as  1885  the  attention  of  the  public  was  called  to  the  dairy  interests  of 
this  county,  and  from  then  on  to  the  present  day,  they  have  been  the 
subject  of  many  articles  in  different  journals,  extracts  from  several  of 
which  being  given  below. 

217 


218  IllsToKY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

EARLY    AND    LATER    DAY    INTERESTS 

From  an  old  publication  issued  in  1>S">  the  subjoined  is  quoted: 

"The  sinrk  and  dairy  business  of  this  county  are  fasl  assuming  an 
importance  which  bids  fair  to  transcend  all  others.  The  very  best  of 
pasturage  and  excellent  water  supplies  abound  every  where  in  the 
county.  The  famous  blue  grass,  so  common  in  the  South,  is  here  in- 
digenous and  thrives  luxuriantly.  These  facts  have  led  the  farmers  to 
turn  their  attention  largely  to  stockraising  and  dairying,  while  at  the 
same  time  they  continue  to  give  a  good  share  of  their  time  to  the  pro- 
duction of  hay.  cereals,  fruit  ami  vegetables.     The  dairy  interests  are 

discussed   more  in  detail,  but  in  this  eon tion   it  may  he  added  that 

the  importance  of  improving  our  stock  of  late  years  has  become  almosl 
universal,  until  now  choice  herds  of  Holsteins.  Alderneys  and  Herefords 
can  be  seen  in  all  parts  of  this  county.  The  combining  of  stock  and  dairy 
interests  has  been  attended  with  the  most  satisfactory  results. 

"Until  within  the  last  quarter  of  the  century  I  1860)  cheese  making 
in  Illinois  was  a  small  industry.  No  cheese  was  made  for  export,  except 
in  the  larger  dairies.  Factories  were  unknown,  and  the  markets  of  the 
state  were  supplied  with  Eastern  cheese  products.  The  Western  farmer 
had  the  best  farming  and  grazing  land  in  the  country,  as  well  as  every 
facility  for  raising  stock  at  less  expense  than  the  Eastern  farmers;  still 
dairying  received  little  or  no  attention.  Cattle  were  kept  in  great  num- 
bers, but  they  were  driven  or  shipped  East  for  beef  purposes.  Butter 
was  made  and  shipped  to  a  small  extent,  but  so  little  care  and  skill  were 
displayed  in  the  manufacture  of  butter  that  Western  butter  acquired 
an  unenviable  reputation  in  the  world's  markets.  Most  of  the  farmers 
were  in  debt  and  gave  their  attention  to  stock,  considering  that  the 
speediesl  means  of  raising  funds.  As  in  all  new-settled  countries,  grains 
and  stock  received  almost  exclusive  attention  and  manufacturers  were 
discouraged.  As  to  cheese,  it  was  urged  that  only  an  inferior  quality 
could  be  made  in  the  West ;  that  the  milk  did  not  contain  the  necessary 
ingredients;  that  the  grass,  soil  and  climate  were  not  suitable.  But 
all  these  false  theories  have  been  long  since  exploded,  since  the  farmers 
went  to  work  in  an  intelligent  manner  and  understanding,  and  gave  the 
dairy  industry  the  attention   its  importance  demanded. 

"Before  1866  there  was  not  a  cheese  factory  in  McHenry  County. 
In  1866  and  1867  there  were  eight  in  operation,  and  the  number  con- 
tinually increased.  At  first  the  business  met  with  considerable  opposi- 
tion.    There  was  a  lack  of  confidence  among  stockholders  as  to  profits. 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  219 

There  was  also  great  difficulty  in  obtaining  employes  possessing  qualifi- 
cations of  experience  and  adaptation  to  the  work.  The  cheese  were 
generally  made  for  those  furnishing  the  milk,  at  a  stipulated  price  per 
pound,  either  two  and  a  half  or  three  cents.  The  factory  proprietors 
furnished  all  other  materials,  making  and  storing  for  a  specified  time. 
At  the  expiration  of  the  time  agreed  upon  the  owners  of  the  eheese  either 
took  it  away  or  allowed  the  manufacturer  to  sell  for  them  on  commission. 
In  1867  the  cheese  factories  in  operation  in  this  county  were: 

"The  Hebron  factory,  built  in  the  spring  of  1866  by  R.  W.  Stewart 
and  W.  II.  Stewart  ;  a  two-story  frame  building,  30x55  feet,  enlarged  the 
second  year. 

•'The  Huntley  factory,  started  in  1866  by  A.  A.  Blanchard  and  A. 
Woodworth. 

"The  Marengo  factory,  started  in  1867  by  Anson  Sperry  and  R.  M. 
Patrick. 

"The  Greenwnod  factory,  in  1867;  A.  C.  Thompson  and  George 
Abbott,  proprietors. 

"The  Union  factory,  1867;  Hunderford  &  Durkee,  proprietors. 

"The  Woodstock  factory,  1867;   C.   De  Cleroq,  proprietor. 

"The  Riley  factory,  built  in  1867  by  P.  B.  Merrill,  E.  Graves  and 
Leonard  Parker." 

The  amount  of  milk  used  and  the  number  of  pounds  of  cheese  pro- 
duced by  the  above  mentioned  factories  during  1867  is  thus  given  in  the 
Woodstock  Sentinel : 

Name  of  Factory  Pounds  Milk     Pounds  Cheese 

Richmond  (six  months  run) 1,830,423  134,471 

Hebron  (five  months  run) 1,000,000  112,000 

Huntley  (four  and  three-fourths)..    597,905  64,07S 

.Marengo  (four  months  run) 

Greenwood  (four  months  run) 542,365  54,236 

Union  (four  months  run) 429,000  43,000 

Woodstock  (four  months  run)    243,000  22,223 

Riley  (four  months  run) 40,000 

"In  addition  to  the  above,"  says  the  same  authority  "there  were  a 
great  many  farmers  in  the  county  in  1867  who  had  dairies  of  from 
twenty  to  fifty  cows  and  made  cheese  at  home. 

"The  dairy  interests  have  grown  rapidly  from  the  beginning.  The 
county  now  (1885)  contains  fifty-three  cheese  factories  and  creameries. 


220  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Also  large  dairies.  The  shipping  of  milk  to  Chicago  is  carried  on  <xten- 
sively  and  with  greal  profil  to  the  dairyman.    This  branch  of  the  dairy 

business  is  also  comparatively  new.  hut  its  growth  has  been  very  rapid, 
and  it  is  now  one  of  the  chief  industries  of  McHenry  County.  Every 
railroad  station  in  the  county  sends  its  quota  of  milk  to  feed  the  great 
city. 

"At  the  Philadelphia  I  lentennial  Exposition  in  hsTG,  J.  S.  "Watrous  of 
the  town  of  Xnnda.  placed  on  exhibition  samples  of  butter  made  at  his 
factory,  the  Edgefield  Crystal  Springs  Factory.  This  exhibit  was 
awarded  a  gold  medal  tor  its  superior  quality,  a  result  particularly 
gratifying  to  McHenry  County  dairymen,  when  it  is  considered  that  not 
only  the  old  states  of  the  East  were  competitors  for  the  honor,  but  also 
of  sections  in  this  country  and  Canada. 

"The  dairy  statistics  of  1S77  together  with  those  of  1883,  are  given 
below,  and  fully  illustrate  the  rapid  growth  of  this  industry  in  this 
county : 

1877  1883 

■•Number  of  cows  kept 18,378  28,179 

•  •  Pounds  of  butter  sold 805,832  757,935 

••Pounds  cheese  sold 969,229  2,213,0U2 

■■Callous  milk  sold 2,331,007  7,917,321 

A  RADICAL  CHANGE 

The  radical  change  from  butter  ami  cheese  making  in  this  county  to 
the  present  plan  of  bottling  and  shipping  the  milk  produce  of  the  farmers 
of  the  county  was  brought  about  in  1889-90.  since  which  time  little 
butter  ami  cheese  have  been  made  here  and  sent  to  the  markets  of  the 
world.  The  milk  has  been  daily  bottled,  or  sent  in  large  cans  to  I  ihicago 
where  it  supplies  that  great  and  constantly  growing  city,  less  than  fifty 
miles  distant. 

In  the  days  when  cheese  making  was  one  of  the  leading  industries  of 
the  county,  the  product  was  of  excellent  quality,  but  because  of  the 
making  of  what  was  known  as  "filled  cheese,"  really  a  skim-milk  cheese 
filled  with  lard,  and  the  throwing  of  it  on  the  market,  the  good  name 
of  all  McHenry  County  cheese  was  damaged,  and  all  of  Illinois  suffered. 

Cyrus  L.  .Mead,  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the  county,  when  in  his  ninety- 
third  year,  then  being  a  resident  of  Hebron,  stated  that  the  first  cheese 
factory   in   the  vicinity  of   Hebron   was   Imilt    by    William   and    Robert 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  221 

Stewart  in  1865.  He  says  that  in  1868  Harry  W.  Mead  built  a  factory 
just  north  of  the  townsite  of  Hebron,  it  being  on  his  farm. 

The  earliest  bottling  plant  in  the  county  was  that  established  at 
Crystal  Lake. 

Several  large  corporations  have  established  themselves  in  the  milk- 
bottling  business  within  this  county,  including  the  Borden  and  Bow- 
man concerns.  The  present  condensed  milk  plants  in  the  county  are 
located  at  Union  and  Chemung. 

There  are  the  following  bottling  plants :  those  of  the  Borden  Com- 
pany at  MeHenry,  Algonquin,  Richmond,  Hebron,  Alden,  Chemung, 
Woodstock,  Ridgeficld  and  Marengo;  those  of  the  Bowman  Company  at 
Crystal  Lake.  Cary,  Hartlend,  Harvard,  Greenwood  and  Ringwood;  a 
country  plant  near  Crystal  Lake  and  at  Greenwood ;  the  John  P.  Jelke 
plant  at  Huntley ;  the  plant  of  Victor  Mey  at  Huntley ;  that  of  the 
American  Milk  Company  at  Union ;  The  Western  Dairy  Company  plant 
at  Belden ;  and  that  of  the  Weiland  Company  at  Spring  Grove. 

PIONEER  SHIPPERS 

Among  the  early  shippers  of  milk  to  the  Chicago  market  was  L.  W. 
Walkup  who  milked  fifty  cows,  and  finding  that  the  commissions  paid  in 
Chicago  left  him  but  little  profit,  he,  together  with  his  brother,  who  later 
died  as  a  missionary  in  a  foreign  land,  undertook  to  peddle  milk  in 
Chicago,  but  after  two  months'  trial  became  convinced  that  this  plan  was 
not  practical,  and  so  abandoned  their  project.  Mr.  Walkup  is  still  a 
resident  of  Crystal  Lake,  states  that  while  he  was  able  to  dispose  of  his 
milk  as  above  stated  because  he  was  accessible  to  the  railroad,  others  less 
fortunately  situated,  including  the  elder  James  Kittle,  who  had  forty 
cows  in  his  herd,  were  forced  to  make  their  milk  up  into  butter  or  cheese 
and  ship  the  same.  The  butter  was  usually  packed  in  sixty  pound  ash 
or  spruce  tubs. 

INTELLIGENT  DAIRYING,  1921 

Perhaps  no  better  exposition  of  present-day  dairy  conditions  can  be 
given  than  that  taken  from  the  Harvard  Independent,  as  follows: 

"John  C.  Olbrich,  one  of  the  well-known  Marengo  farmers,  was  a 
business  caller  in  Harvard  Monday  evening,  and  told  us  a  few  interesting 
things  in  regard  to  his  work.  He  is  working  600  acres  of  land,  there 
are  four  cement  silos  on  his  place,  and  he  is  milking  about  fifty  cows. 


BISTORT  OF  McBENRY  COUNTY 

Bis  milk  is  delivered  to  the  Borden  plant  at  Marengo,  and  at  present  it  is 
averaging  abonl  1.400  pounds  daily,  his  monthly  milk  check  being  in  the 
neighborhood  of  -+1.400.     Mr.  Olbrieh   is  a  greal    worker  and  uses  his 

brains  as  well  as  his  hands.  In  conversation  with  us  he  told  us  that  he 
experienced  more  difficulty  in  securing  help  fur  the  house  than  the 
ordinary  male  help  on  the  farm.  His  practice  in  farming  is  to  raise  the 
aecessarj  feed  for  the  stock  on  his  own  farm,  for  there  is  no  money  to  be 
made  if  one  pays  it  all  out  for  expensive  \'r<'A.  By  making  use  of  the 
four  silos  on  his  farm,  Mr.  Olbrieh  can  gel  along  if  there  is  a  failure 
of  the  corn  crop.  There's  the  secret  of  the  whole  thing.  Some  men  make 
a  lot  of  milk  and  pull  in  big  milk  checks,  but  they  spend  so  much  for  feed 
that  they  are  very  little  ahead  at  the  end  of  the  year.  The  successful 
farmers,  the  men  who  make  the  money,  are  those  who  raise  their  own 
feed  and  are  prepared  for  the  emergency  when  the  crop  failure  comes 
along." 

DAIRY    INTERESTS 

Capital  invested  nearly $1,500,000 

Men  employed  in  different  plants  throughout  the 

county 500 

Herds    2,500 

Total  milk  production,  pounds  daily 655,000 

Milk  bottled,  quarts  daily 267,500 

Milk  condensed,  pounds  daily 120,000 

IMPORTANCE  OF  DAIRY   COW 

The  dairy  cow  has  been  the  redeemer  and  builder  of  McIIenry 
County.  Under  the  present  reconstruction  period  she  has  kept  the  bank 
accounts  of  McHenry  County  farmers  on  the  right  side  of  the  ledger. 


■^^^RS&'V^ 

3  iuHa|  1 19  hJ3nEk 

CHAPTER  XV 
RAILROADS  AND  INDUSTRIAL  ENTERPRISES 

SOURCES  OP  PRESENT  PROSPERITY — FIRST  STEAM  RAILROADS — PRESENT  RAIL- 
ROADS— ELECTRIC  RAILROADS — RAILROAD  MILEAGE — LOCAL  SHOPS — IN- 
DUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES — WOODSTOCK — MARENGO — HARVARD ALGONQUIN 

ALDEN — MCHENRY — WEST     MCHENRY — CRYSTAL     LAKE SPRING    GROVE 

— TERRA  COTTA — RICHMOND — FARMERS'  NEW  ERA  TELEPHONE  COMPANY. 

SOURCE    OF    PRESENT    PROSPERITY 

This  county  owes  much  of  its  present  prosperity  to  the  railroads 
whose  network  traverse  its  entire  area.  These  railroads  were  among  the 
first  to  be  built  in  Northern  Illinois,  which  today  has  one  of  the  finest 
railroad  systems  in  the  world.  Every  village  in  McHenry  County  has 
its  railroad  station,  thus  being  afforded  excellent  shipping  facilities. 
Each  township,  with  the  exception  of  Riley  in  the  extreme  southwestern 
portion  of  the  county,  has  a  railroad  crossing  some  portion  of  its  terri- 
tory. By  these  roads  the  dairyman  and  farmer  are  brought  into  close 
touch  with  Chicago  and  other  industrial  centers.  Milk  is  shipped  every 
morning  from  practically  every  station  in  the  county  to  Chicago,  and 
milk  trains  are  as  common  on  the  roads  passing  through  McHenry 
County,  as  are  the  fruit  trains  on  those  of  the  Pacific  Coast. 

FIRST  STEAM  RAILROADS 

The  first  railroad  which  was  constructed  through  McHenry  County 
was  the  old  Galena  division  of  the  present  Northwestern  system,  then 
known  as  the  Galena  &  Chicago  Union  Railway.  Completed  in  1854.  it 
had  stations  at  Huntley,  Union  and  Marengo,  which  are  still  maintained. 

In  June,  1855,  the  Chicago,  St.  Paul  &  Fond  du  Lac  Railroad  reached 
Woodstock,  the  following  year  was  extended  as  far  as  Harvard,  and  was 
then  rapidly  pushed  on  to  its  terminus.  This  road  is  now  the  Wisconsin 
division  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad,  and  maintains  stations 

223 


224 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


at  Cary,  Crystal  Lake,  Ridgefield,  Woodstock,  Eartland,  Harvard  and 

Lawrence,  all   in  this  county. 

About  1855  the  construction  work  on  the  Fox  River  Valley  Railroad 
was  begun  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  county,  crossing  it  from  north  to 
south.  This  road  was  subsequently  purchased  by  the  Chicago  &  North- 
western system,  and  is  operated  under  the  name  of  the  Elgin  &  State  Line 
Division  of  the  Northwestern.  It  has  stations  in  this  county  at  Algon- 
quin,  Crystal    Rake.   Mc -Henry.   Terra   Cotta,   Ringwood  and  Richmond. 

In  RS61-62  The  Kenosha  &  Rockford  Railroad  was  built  in  the 
northern  part,  and  this  is  now  also  a  part  of  the  Northwestern  system 
with  stations  at  Hebron,  Alden,  Harvard  and  Chemung,  with  ''sidings" 
at  other  places  in  the  county. 

The  last  railroad  to  be  built  in  McHenry  County  was  the  Chicago, 
Milwaukee  &  St.  Paid,  which  enters  the  county  in  the  southeastern  part 
of  Burton  Township  and  runs  in  a  northwesterly  direction  through 
Richmond  and  Hebron  townships,  with  stations  at  Spring  Grove,  Solon 
Mills,  and  at  a  junction  point  where  this  road  crosses  Kenosha  &  Rock- 
ford  division  on  section  11,  Hebron  Township.  The  Chicago,  Milwaukee 
&  St,  Paul  Railroad  was  built  through  this  county  in  1900  and  fur- 
nishes an  additional  outlet  for  the  freight  of  the  county.  Through 
the  merging  of  the  several  railroads  into  one  or  more  of  the  great  sys- 
tems, the  people  of  McHenry  County  are  now  afforded  the  best  of  train 
service  and  the  finest  of  accommodations,  and  all  of  the  traffic  is  handled 
by  the  two  great  systems,  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  and  the  Chicago, 
Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul. 

ELECTRIC    RAILWAYS 


In  addition  to  the  many  miles  of  steam  railroads  in  the  county,  there 
are  also  two  electric  roads,  one  of  which  in  the  southwestern  part,  with 
stations  at  Union  and  Marengo,  is  operated  as  the  Elgin  and  Belvidere; 
and  one  between  Harvard  and  Lake  Geneva,  Wisconsin,  is  operated  as 
the  Chicago,  Harvard  &  Lake  Geneva.  These  two  lines  afford  much 
satisfaction  and  accommodation  to  the  people  adjacent  to  them,  for  they 
can  hoard  a  car  for  distant  trading  points  at  almost  any  hour  of  the 
day  or  night,  and  return  within  a  few  hours.  The  one  between  Harvard 
and  Lake  Geneva  carries  many  passengers  to  the  great  summer  resort 
in  Wisconsin.  Other  lines  have  been  projected,  and  one  company  graded 
a  road  between  Marengo  and  Harvard  over  twenty  years  ago,  but  none 
of  these  enterprises  reached  fruition. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENEY  COUNTY  225 

RAILROAD    MILEAGE 

The  steam  railroads  have  the  following  mileage:  the  Chicago,  Mil- 
waukee &  St.  Paul,  twelve  and  one-third  miles,  and  the  Chicago  &  North- 
western, IIS1/,-,  miles. 

The  electric  lines  have  the  following  mileage :  the  Chicago,  Harvard 
&  Lake  Geneva,  five  and  one-half  miles;  and  the  Elgin  &  Belvidere, 
twenty-one  and  three-tenths  miles,  making  a  total  of  173Vio  miles  of 
steam  and  electric  roads  in  the  county. 

LOCAL    SHOPS 

When  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad  was  built  to  Harvard. 
a  roundhouse  and  repair  shop  were  erected  there,  but  in  the  latter  part 
of  the  last  century  were  removed  to  Janesville.  Woodstock  also  had 
a  two-stall  roundhouse  for  many  years  to  house  a  special  Chicago  pas- 
senger train  which  ran  as  an  accommodation,  but  when  that  was  dis- 
continued, the  roundhouse  was  abandoned. 

INDUSTRIAL   ACTIVITIES 

While  there  are  a  number  of  flourishing  industrial  concerns  in  the 
county  whose  products  are  shipped  to  far-distant  points  and  some  all 
over  the  world,  the  staple  industry  is  of  course  dairying.  However,  it 
is  with  interest  that  the  historian  records  the  achievements  in  an  in- 
dustrial line  during  the  past  and  present  in  the  different  communities  of 
MeHenry  County. 

WOODSTOCK 

Prior  to  1854  several  mills  were  operated  at  Woodstock  and  produced 
much  of  the  flour  and  rough  lumber  required  by  the  community.  The 
first  saw-mill  was  constructed  in  1852,  although  a  flax-mill  had  been  built 
in  1846,  and  this  was  subsequently  converted  into  a  planing  mill  in  the 
early  fifties. 

In  1854  EosweU  Enos  opened  his  small  but  excellent  tannery,  but 
not  long  thereafter  it  was  burned,  and  he  did  not  replace  it. 

In  1856  Gilbert  B.  Drake  and  Cornelius  Quinlan  built  a  grist-mill  at 
Woodstock,  which  they  operated  by  steam  power.  After  several  years  of 
operation  it  was  abandoned. 


i'l><; 


HISTORY  OF  McIIEXRY  COUNTY 


J.  0.  Teeple  and  Eenry  Eckerl  established  a  machine  shop,  which 
was  of  greal  value  to  the  early  settlers  of  this  pari  of  the  county,  and 
also  carried  on  a  foundry  and  made  many  castings.  This  plant  was 
finally  owned  by  D.  II.  S.  Barrows. 

In  18(18  Dr.  ( '.  15.  Durfee  began  tin-  manufacture  of  drain  tile.  This 
plant  Later  became  the  property  of  the  Woodstock  Brick,  Drain.  Tile 
and  Peat  Company,  which  used  native  peat  for  the  fuel  needed.  This 
business  closed  in  1873. 

The  pickle  factory  of  Squire  Dingee  &  Company  was  first  established 
by  a  stock  company,  formed  in  1873,  with  a  capital  stock  of  $.70,000. 
The  building  was  elected  in  1874,  and  E.  T.  Hopkins  was  placed  in 
charge.  The  business  after  a  time  was  leased  to  Heintz,  Noble  &  Com- 
pany for  five  years,  and  this  concern  packed  in  large  (plant ities.  but 
after  a  long  trial  went  out  of  existence  as  a  producer  of  vinegar,  although 
pickles  were  still  packed.  In  1880.  under  the  ownership  of  Squire  Dingee, 
the  annual  output  was  55,000  bushels  of  cucumbers.  The  plant  had 
fifty-five  large  salting  vats,  and  employment  was  given  to  about  twenty 
men.  During  the  shipping  season  from  eight  to  ten  carloads  were  usually 
shipped  per  week. 

Another  early  pickle  factory  was  that  operated  by  Norman  frame 
&  Company,  and  it  was  undoubtedly  the  largest  one  in  the  county  at 
that  time.  Norman  Frame  and  Judge  T.  D.  Murphy  entered  into  partner- 
ship in  1881,  under  the  above  name,  and  carried  on  an  extensive  pickle 
and  vinegar  plant  at  "Woodstock  until  they  leased  their  plant  to  Squire 
Dingee,  and  the  business  was  by  him  carried  on  until  he  went  out  of 
this  line,  a  number  of  years  thereafter. 

The  Pickle  Growers'  Union  was  formed  in  1881,  and  had  100  mem- 
bers, at  whose  head  was  Edward  Short.  Associated  with  him  were  other 
representative  pickle  growers,  whose  object  was  to  store  the  pickles  pro- 
duced by  the  members  of  the  union  so  as  to  be  able  to  take  advantage  of 
the  better  prices  later  in  the  season.  During  1883,  1884  and  1885  this 
organization  did  a  business  of  $40,000  annually  in  salted  pickles.  Their 
building  was  located  near  the  depot,  and  had  a  capacity  of  25.000. 
In  1884  the  association  had  increased  its  membership,  and  had  for  its 
officers  the  following:  T.  McD.  Richards,  president ;  Mark  Hicock,  treas- 
urer; and  Edward  Short,  secretary.  As  the  years  went  on,  however,  the 
farmers  changed  their  crops,  and,  no  longer  raising  pickles,  the  business 
was  discontinued. 

In  1858  a  brewery  was  established  a  mile  and  one-half  west  of  Wood- 
stock by  John  Bertchey.     It  was  a  small  plant  making  common  beer 


HISTORY  OF  McHBNRY  COUNTY  227 

Later  it  was  owned  by  Arnold,  Zimmer  &  Company,  which  purchased 
the  founder's  rights  in  1868.  The  new  firm  was  continued  many  years 
and  operated  a  large  plant,  the  original  one  having  been  expanded,  until 
the  mammoth  brewing  companies  at  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  other  cities 
monopolized  the  brewing  industry.  A  never-failing  spring  supplied  the 
water  used  by  the  Woodstock  brewery,  and  ice  was  produced  in  an 
artificial  pond  nearby.  In  1885  the  brewery  was  using  25,000  bushels 
of  malt ;  had  three  immense  icehouses,  fermenting  rooms,  cooling  rooms, 
bottling  rooms,  stables  and  sheds  for  the  large  number  of  horses  and 
wagons  used  in  carrying  on  what  was  the  largest  brewing  plant  in  this 
part  of  Illinois.  Twenty-live  men  were  employed  for  twelve  hours  a 
day,  and  800  barrels  of  beer  were  produced  monthly,  including  standard 
brands  of  Bohemian  and  export  beer.  This  beer  was  sold  at  Woodstock, 
Harvard,  Janesville,  Rockford,  Clinton,  Elgin  and  Dundee.  The  brew- 
ing company  also  owned  and  farmed  180  acres  of  land  on  which  they 
fed  cattle  for  the  markets.     This  brewery  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1902. 

In  1897  Mrs.  Edith  Kingman  Poyer  established  what  was  known  as 
the  "Northwestern  Rabbitry"  for  the  production  of  rabbits  for  their 
meat  and  skins,  and  was  principally  managed  by  Mrs.  Poyer 's  brother, 
C.  F.  Kingman.  It  was  expanded  and  in  1901  was  said  to  be  the  largest 
plant  of  its  kind  in  America,  and  yielded  good  returns.  The  plant  was 
located  at  the  end  of  Washington  street,  and  in  the  frame  building  there 
were  275  cages,  usually  filled  with  fine  specimens  of  imported  hares  and 
rabbits.  One  animal,  "Fiery  Fox,"  took  prizes  all  over  the  country, 
and  his  owner  was  offered  .+2,000  for  him.  The  Be'gian  hares  were 
especially  valuable,  and  thousands  of  pounds  of  these  animals  were 
chipped  in  refrigerator  cars  to  Eastern  markets,  where  fancy  prices  were 
received.    A  fire  destroyed  the  plant  and  it  was  never  rebuilt. 

It  is  as  a  center  for  the  manufacture  of  typewriters  that  Woodstock 
has  become  known  all  over  the  civilized  world,  the  plants  of  two  of  the 
leading  machines  being  located  in  this  city.  They  form  the  chief  in- 
dustrial factor  of  Woodstock,  and  are  of  great  importance  to  the  people 
here  and  throughout  the  county. 

The  Oliver  Typewriter  Company,  the  pioneer  in  this  industry,  has  its 
plant  near  the  railroad  station,  and  it  manufactures  the  Oliver  type- 
writer. This  machine  is  the  direct  materialization  of  a  dream  held  for 
years  by  Rev.  Thomas  Oliver,  a  clergyman  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  A  natural  mechanic,  with  a  genius  for  inventing,  he  long 
worked  over  his  ideas  for  improving  the  primitive  "writing"  machines. 
Probably  because  of  his  interest   in  them,  he  pursued  his  idea  in  his 


228 


HISTORY  OF   McIIKNRY  COUNTY 


dreams,  and  one  night  had  what  he  felt  was  a  vision,  and  the  following 
day  put  his  recollection  of  it  on  paper.  Prom  this  he  worked  oul  through 
days  of  experimenting  what  was  the  firsi  Oliver  typewriter.  He  eon- 
structed  several  models  before  he  was  able  to  reach  the  fundamental 
principle  of  the  now  famous  machine  thai  bears  his  name.  His  was  the 
firsi  visible  typewriter  known.  He  made  his  experimental  type-bars  of 
two  strips  of  common  tin,  but  his  model  worked  well,  and  lie  typed  his 
sermons  with  it. 

Doctor  Oliver  commenced  making  his  typewriters  while  living  at 
Epsworth,  Iowa,  a  short  distance  west  of  Dubuque.  His  first  shop  was 
on  the  second  floor  of  a  wooden  building,  the  lower  floor  of  which  was 
used  for  a  restaurant.  Here  he  made  twelve  experimental  machines, 
placed  them  on  trial,  thereby  gaining  a  full  dozen  recommendations,  and 
he  was  then  able  to  organize  a  stock  company  with  a  paid-up  capital  of 
$20,000,  or  its  equivalent.  His  fellow-townsmen  so  appreciated  the  value 
of  Doctor  Oliver's  invention  and  its  importance  to  their  community  that 
they  built  him  a  brick  shop,  and  employment  was  given  to  sixteen  em- 
ployes including:  Charles  Fay,  who  accompanied  him  to  Woodstock.  The 
business  so  increased  that  it  was  deemed  expedient  to  look  for  a  per- 
manent location  near  Chicago,  and  in  December,  1S96,  the  business  was 
moved  to  Woodstock  and  the  plant  established  in  the  quarters  formerly 
occupied  by  the  Wheeler  and  Tappan  Pump  Company.  With  the  un- 
derstanding that  the  plant  was  to  remain  at  Woodstock  for  a  period  of 
five  years,  the  city  donated  the  buildings  above  referred  to.  Many  years 
have  elapsed  since  then,  and  the  plant  is  still  at  Woodstock,  and  em- 
ployment is  now  given  to  about  1,400  persons,  the  output  being  325 
machines  daily.  This  contrasts  vividly  with  the  100  machines  which 
were  the  sole  output  of  the  first  eight  months'  work  of  the  company  after 
coming  to  Woodstock.  Six  of  the  original  employes  came  from  Iowa  to 
Woodstock  with  the  company,  namely:  A.  C.  Peavey,  Irving  Greenlee, 
Robert  Edwards,  S.  Horr,  Charles  Fay  and  Lester  Carr.  The  Oliver 
Building  at  No.  159  North  Dearborn  street  is  the  Chicago  headquarters 
of  the  company. 

The  present  officers  are:  Henry  K.  Gilbert,  president :  Delevan  Smith, 
vice  president;  William  B.  Stewart,  Jr..  vice  president;  John  Whitcomb, 
vice  president,  who  is  in  charge  of  sales:  E.  II.  Smith,  secretary  and 
treasurer,  who  is  in  charge  of  production:  and  Frank  M.  Farnsworth, 
auditor. 

The  Woodstock  Typewriter  Company  was  organized  under  the  laws 
of  Illinois,  under  the  name  of  the  Emerson  Typewriter  Company.  Sep- 


HISTOEY  OF  McHENEY  COUNTY  229 

tember  14.  19(19,  and  its  plant  was  at  Momence,  111.,  and  the  Emerson 
typewriter  was  manufactured.  Until  the  plant  was  moved  to  Woodstock 
in  1910,  George  M.  A.  Fecke  was  president  of  the  company. 

In  December,  1910,  the  company  was  reorganized,  and  in  June,  1911, 
discontinued  manufacturing  the  Emerson  typewriter,  scrapping  the 
tools,  and  commenced  the  production  of  the  Woodstock  typewriter 
according  to  the  designs  of  Alvah  C.  Boebuck,  the  inventor.  This  ma- 
chine was  first  placed  on  the  market  in  1915  and  has  proved  to  be  very 
popular.  The  company  erected  a  spacious  brick  building  in  the  eastern 
part  of  Woodstock,  which  contains  44,270  square  feet  of  floor  space,  and 
additional  space  will  soon  be  afforded.  About  350  persons  are  employed 
and  the  output  is  about  fifty-five  machines  per  day.  Approximately 
fifty  percent  of  these  machines  are  sold  in  the  United  States,  the  re- 
mainder being  shipped  to  foreign  countries. 

The  present  officers  of  this  company  are  as  follows :  L.  W.  Meck- 
stroth,  president ;  Arnold  J.  Lethen,  treasurer ;  N.  W.  Keating,  secre- 
tary ;  J.  F.  Swahlstedt,  assistant  treasurer ;  0.  Hokanson,  chief  engineer ; 
N.  W.  Marsilius,  superintendent;  Mack  Marsilius,  assistant  superinten- 
dent ;  and  E.  Lowe,  purchasing  agent. 

MARENGO 

In  1861  a  flour-mill  was  built  at  Marengo  by  Butsford,  Howe  &  Spen- 
cer at  a  cost  of  .$10,000.  It  was  operated  by  steam,  and  an  excellent 
custom  business  was  carried  on.  In  the  eighties  it  was  still  operated, 
being  then  owned  by  S.  K.  Bartholomew,  who,  however,  only  produced 
feed.  With  changes  in  methods  of  production  and  the  growth  of  the 
great  flour  and  feed  corporations,  this  mill,  with  similar  ones,  went  out 
of  existence. 

A  foundry  and  machine  shop  was  established  at  Marengo  in  186S, 
by  Henry  Deitz,  but  it  later  became  the  property  of  C.  E.  Kelley  who 
enlarged  the  plant,  added  much  modern  machinery,  including  small 
engines  and  a  line  of  pumps.  About  fifteen  men  were  usually  employed. 

A  cheese-box  factory  at  Marengo  was  the  outgrowth  of  a  sash  and 
blind  factory  which  was  started  about  1878.  It  did  not  pay  and  so  was 
converted  into  a  coopering  shop.  After  two  years  this  coopering  business 
was  purchased  by  Wood  &  Sherwin,  of  Elgin,  who  began  manufacturing 
cheese  boxes.  When  butter  and  cheese  were  no  longer  produced  by  the 
farmers  who  found  it  more  profitable  to  sell  their  milk,  this  factory 
ceased  making  butter  tubs  and  cheese  boxes  for  which  there  was  no 
longer  a  local  market. 


230 


HISTORY  OP  McIIEXKY  COFXTY 


A  canning  factory  was  established  at  Marengo  in  1875  by  E.  F.  and 
K.  L.  McKinney.  It  was  started  in  a  small  way.  bul  was  expanded  as 
the  volume  of  business  warranted,  and  here  for  years  were  manufactured 

jellies  anil  jams;  all  kinds  of  vegetables  ami  fruits  were  canned,  ami 
several  changes  were  made  in  location.  All  of  the  products  were  sold 
to  Chicago  grocers  at  excellent  prices.  From  twenty  to  sixty  persons 
were  employed  according  to  the  season.  At  one  time  the  output  was  sold 
direct  to  the  United  States  government  for  use  in  the  army.  This 
factory  has  not  been  in  operation  for  many  years. 

The  L.  Woodard  Pickle  Company  was  founded  in  l!SSL>  by  Loren 
Woodard,  uncle  of  W.  P.  Woodard,  the  present  executive  head.  This 
company  is  incorporated,  and  the  present  officials  are:  W.  C.  Woodard. 
president;  M.  R.  Woodard,  secretary;  and  A.  B.  Woodard,  treasurer. 
The  L.  Woodard  Company  are  packers  of  salt  pickles  and  fancy  dill 
pickles,  and  in  addition  to  the  plant  at  Marengo,  have  plants  at  Harvard, 
III.,  and  Covert,  Hartford,  Kingsley  and  Beulah,  Mich. 


HARVARD 


In  1  S7l2  Burbank  &  Law  erected  at  Harvard  a  malthouse  which 
stood  about  twenty  rods  north  of  the  depot,  and  its  capacity  was  about 
100  bushels  per  day.  The  product  was  sold  at  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and 
in  Pennsylvania.  On  only  a  $5,000  capital  the  firm  did  an  excellent 
business,  exceeding  45,000  bushels  of  malt  in  their  sales,  but  after  three 
years  closed  down,  and  the  building'  was  converted  into  a  grain  ware- 
house. 

Another  malthouse  was  established  about  the  same  date  by  the  Har- 
vard Malting  Company,  and  it  had  a  capacity  of  250  bushels  daily,  and 
the  business  was  under  the  management  of  E.  E.  Ayer.  Three  years  later 
the  malthouse  was  closed,  but  was  soon  afterwards  sold  to  a  Kenosha  firm 
who  made  a  number  of  improvements  on  the  plant,  erecting  buildings 
costing  .+25,000.  At  one  time  this  firm  had  on  hand  60,000  bushels  of 
malt. 

A  pickle  factory  was  started  at  Harvard  in  the  spring  of  1883,  which 
had  a  capacity  of  30,000  bushels  of  pickles.  That  same  season  Clark 
&  Brainard  built  a  factory  of  about  the  same  size  as  the  Sawyer  factory, 
and  for  some  years  both  concerns  did  a  large  business. 

The  Harvard  Flouring  Mills  were  erected  in  1857,  by  Jonathan  WTells, 
and  in  1860  the  building  was  sold  to  Colonel  Blandin,  and  in  1870  he 
.sold  to  (i.  II.  Wood,  A.  S.  Gournee  and  P.  C.   Farnum  who  enlarged   it 


HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY  231 

and  converted  it  into  a  flouring  mill  of  the  old  millstone  type.  Early  in 
the  eighties  it  was  changed  to  a  modern  roller  process  mill  where 
"patent"  flour  was  made. 

The  Hunt,  Helm  &  Ferris  Company  was  established  in  1883  and 
incorporated  in  1902.  The  original  founders  were  C.  E.  Hunt  and 
N.  B.  Helm,  and  II.  L.  Harris  was  the  inventor  and  designor.  The  com- 
pany manufactures  barn  equipment  and  builders'  hardware  of  the  "Star 
Line*'  brand.  During  busy  seasons  employment  is  given  to  about  300 
men.  Shipments  are  made  all  over  the  United  States  and  to  South 
America  and  Europe.  The  present  officials  are:  C.  E.  Hunt,  president; 
H.  L.  Ferris,  vice  president;  H.  J.  Ferris,  vice  president;  B.  B.  Bell, 
secretary  and  treasurer;  H.  B.  Megran,  assistant  secretary;  and  W.  J. 
Heatley,  assistant  treasurer.    The  company  has  a  branch  at  Albany,  N.  Y. 

The  Church  I  lay  Barrier  "Manufacturing  Company  manufactured  a 
hay  carrier,  invented  by  E.  L.  Church,  and  patented  in  1874.  He  was 
then  living  in  Wisconsin,  and  was  not  much  more  than  a  lad,  but  was 
a  born  inventor.  His  first  carriers  were  manufactured  at  Rockford,  111., 
but  in  1880  he  came  to  Harvard,  bought  a  building  at  the  corner  of 
Ayer  and  Church  streets,  enlarged  it,  and  increased  his  production  to 
about  4,000  carriers  annually.  He  had  traveling  men  in  all  parts  of  the 
country  and  he  did  a  big  business,  his  sales  extending  even  as  far  west 
as  California.  Subsequently  this  business  was  merged  with  the  Hunt, 
Helm  &  Ferris  Company. 

In  1914  H.  C.  Beardsley  founded  what  is  now  the  Beardsley  Candy 
Company,  manufacturers  and  jobbers  of  the  "Fern-Bee"  confections, 
the  latter  name  having  been  assumed  in  1919.  In  the  busy  season  em- 
ployment is  given  to  thirty  people.  Sales  are  made  to  jobbers  and  re- 
tailers. The  present  officials  are :  II.  C.  Beardsley,  president,  and  E.  G. 
Fernholz,  secretary  and  treasurer. 

The  Harvard  Garment  Company  was  established  in  1920  by  F.  W. 
Banning.  This  concern  manufactures  dolls  and  doll  dresses,  and  sells  to 
jobbers  and  retailers  over  the  United  States  and  Canada.  About  200 
dozen  dolls  are  produced  weekly,  and  employment  is  given  to  about 
thirty-four  people. 

ALGONQUIN 

Benjamin  Douglas  and  Colonel  Hoffman  built  the  first  saw-mill  in 
Algonquin  Township  in  1839,  and  it  was  located  on  Crystal  Lake.  In 
1842  A.  Dawson  built  a  mill  in  the  village  of  Algonquin.     Another  mill 


2: 12 


HISTORY   OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 


was  also  built  on  Cliunn  Creek  in  1840  by  Oliunii  &  Toles.  These  men, 
with  Mr.  Northrop,  erected  a  grist-mill  on  the  same  creek  in  1862. 
Burgess  iSc  Cornish  built  a  mill,  on  the  Cornish  farm,  in  1848,  which 
was  propelled  by  the  water  from  the  outlet  of  Crystal  Lake.  The  grist- 
mill on  the  east  side  of  the  river  at  Algonquin  was  commenced  by 
A.  Dawson,  and  completed  by  Henry  I'etrie.  in  1849.  In  1850  Doctor 
Plumleigh  built  a  brick  grist-mil]  at  Algonquin  village  on  the  lake  outlet, 
and  it  carried  on  an  excellent  business  way  into  the  eighties. 

The  American  Ironing  Machine  Company  was  founded  in  1906,  and 
they  manufacture  ironing  machines,  skirt  boards,  safety  tapping  at- 
tachments, abrasion  metal  cutters  and  clothes  extractors.  When  running 
full  capacity  they  employ  about  250  men.  and  make  about  200  ironing 
machines  a  day.  They  have  branch  offices  in  New  York;  Chicago;  Pitts- 
burgh; .Minneapolis;  Omaha;  Denver;  San  Francisco;  St..  Louis; 
Rochester,  N.  Y. :  Woodstock,  Ontario ;  and  have  dealers  in  nearly  every 
state  in  the  United  States.  The  present  officers  are:  Herman  G.  Groose, 
president;  Edward  C.  Peter,  vice  president;  Joseph  W.  Taft,  secretary 
and  treasurer;  and  the  board  of  directors  is  composed  of  the  following: 
Herman  G.  Groose,  Edward  C,  Peter,  Joseph  W.  Taft,  Willis  T.  Peter, 
and  W.  W.  Armstrong.    The  trade  mark  of  this  company  is  "Simplex." 

ALDEN 

As  late  as  1885  the  butter  and  cheese  industry  was  active  at  Alden, 
and  there  were  four  factories  for  the  production  of  butter  and  cheese  in 
Alden  Township.  The  first  one  was  built  at  Alden  Station  in  1869,  and 
during  its  most  flourishing  period  it  used  as  much  as  15,000  pounds  of 
milk  daily.  The  second  of  these  factories  was  built  in  1877,  and  was 
subsequently  consolidated  with  the  first.  In  1879  F.  Ferris  &  Company 
built  a  factory  several  miles  beyond  the  town  limits,  and  it  had  a  daily 
consumption,  in  1885,  of  8,000  pounds  of  milk.  When  a  change  came 
in  the  milk  industry,  these  factories  went  out  of.  existence,  the  milk  now 
being  shipped  to  Chicago  through  the  several  milk  companies  operating 
in  the  county. 

MC  HENRY 


The  first  saw-mill  was  built  in  the  village  of  McHenry  in  1S37,  by  a 
Mr.  Barnum,  who  later  sold  it  to  James  Salisbury  and  several  associates. 
James  Salisbury   was  instantly  killed,   while  beneath  the  mill  looking 


HISTORY  OF  McHENKY  COUNTY  233 

after  the  machinery,  at  which  time  the  water  was  accidentally  turned 
on,  and  this  was  said  to  be  the  first  death  in  the  county  of  a  person  to 
whom  a  regular  Christian  burial  was  given.  Rev.  Joel  Wheeler  w<is 
the  officiating  clergyman. 

The  first  grist-mill  in  McHenry  was  erected  in  1851,  by  Owen 
Brothers,  and  they  operated  it  until  1858.  At  that  time  E.  M.  Owen 
bought  his  brother's  share.  Changes  were  made  until  in  1885  it  was  a 
first-class,  roller-process  mill,  with  a  capacity  of  fifty  barrels  daily,  em- 
ployment being  given  to  twenty-five  men. 

In  1882  Richard  Bishop  established  a  pickle  factory  at  McHenry. 
Its  capacity  was  30,000  bushels,  and  employment  was  given  twenty  per- 
sons during  the  season.  Richard  Bishop  also  established,  and  for  many 
years  operated,  a  wagon  factory,  but  his  plant  was  totally  destroyed  by 
fire  July  31,  1874.  His  loss  was  $30,000,  and  he  had  no  insurance.  In 
1878,  however,  this  plant  was  rebuilt  upon  a  much  larger  scale,  and 
for  many  years  thereafter  Mr.  Bishop  carried  on  an  excellent  business 
in  making  wagons. 

George  Gribbler  built  a  brewery  at  McHenry,  but  did  not  long  re- 
main the  owner,  and  after  several  changes,  G.  Boley  bought  the  plant 
for  $1,400,  and  at  once  rebuilt  it  to  a  capacity  of  1,200  barrels  annually. 
He  also  had  a  malthouse  in  which  he  made  his  own  malt.  Until  within 
recent  years  this  business  was  a  large  and  profitable  one. 

WEST    MC  HENRY 

West  McHenry,  formerly  known  as  Georgetown,  had  several  factories 
in  the  past,  and  also  a  grist-mill,  the  latter  having  been  erected  in  1872 
by  William  Hanley.  For  years  it  was  operated  as  a  custom  mill,  and 
frequently  took  in  500  bushels  of  wheat  a  day. 

A  butter  and  cheese  factory  was  started  in  1881  by  Oatman  &  Sons, 
at  a  cost  of  $5,000,  being  when  completed  the  finest  plant  of  its  kind  in 
McHenry  County.  Its  location,  near  Hanley  Mills,  was  a  convenient  one 
for  the  farmers,  and  12,000  pounds  of  milk  were  used  a  day  in  the  making 
of  butter  and  cheese. 

The  brick-making  industry  had  its  commencement  at  West  McHenry 
in  1882  when  900,000  brick  were  made.  The  following  year  1,800,000 
brick  were  burned  and  sold,  and  employment  was  given  to  twenty-five 
hands. 

In  1874  a  large  pickle  factory  was  established  at  West  McHenry  by 
a  union  company  composed  of  farmers.    For  years  it  was  operated  under 


234  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

the  name  of  Cristy,  Walker  &   Company.     The  plant   made   its  own 
vinegar,  and  the  total  value  of  it  was  placed  at  $40,000. 

CRYSTAL  LAKE 

At  present  the  importance  of  the  iee  industry  at  Crystal  Lake  does 
not  compare  with  what  it  was  in  former  years,  when  an  immense  business 
was  carried  on,  "Crystal  Lake  Ice"  being  then  a  household  term  with 
Chicago  and  McHenry  County  people.  For  many  years  Crystal  Lake 
was  the  great  natural  source  of  the  ire  supply  I'm-  this  portion  of  the 
state.  In  1855  the  Crystal  Lake  Ice  Company  was  organized  and  its 
members  comprised  Messrs.  Joy  and  Frisbie  and  several  others.  During 
that  year  the  company  stored  about  8,000  tons  of  iee  which  Mr.  Joy 
sold  at  Chicago.  The  ensuing  year  Joy  &  Frisbie  became  the  sole 
proprietors  ami  from  then  on  they  shipped  annually  to  Chicago  about 
10,000  tons  of  ice.  until  1860,  when  their  warehouses  were  destroyed  by 
lire.  These  gentlemen  then  organized  another  iee  company,  and  for  six 
years  more  carried  on  extensive  operations,  and  then  again  were  burned 
out. 

Prom  1869  to  1873  there  were  no  iee  companies  operating  at  Crystal 
Lake,  with  the  exception  of  one  small,  private  concern,  whose  total 
annual  output  did  not  exceed  2,000  tons  shipped  to  Chicago.  About 
1873-4  C.  S.  and  J.  II.  Dole  put  up  and  filled  six  mammoth  icehouses, 
each  having  a  capacity  of  about  1,250  tons,  or  a  total  capacity  of  7,500 
tons.  In  addition  they  shipped  out  3,000  tons.  The  next  year  the 
capacity  was  increased  to  eight  icehouses  with  a  total  capacity  of  19,000 
tons.  During  the  winter  of  1875-6  the  partners  filled  their  icehouses 
and  shipped  1.20(1  carloads,  a  total  output  of  24,400  tons.  In  1877  they 
erected  a  number  of  large  icehouses,  and  placed  in  operation  a  twenty- 
five  horse-power  steam  engine  for  use  in  the  various  branches  of  the  ice 
industry.  These  great  icehouses  were  located  on  the  south  end  of  Crystal 
Lake,  in  a  beautiful  grove  near  the  outlet,  and  were  fenced  in  with  a 
tight  board  fence,  eight  feet  high.  Employment  was  given  to  many  men 
who  were  occupied  in  the  winter  with  [Hitting  up  the  ice,  anil  in  the 
summer,  with  shipping  it  to  outside  points. 

There  came  a  time,  however,  when  the  question  arose  as  to  the  legal 
title  to  the  waters  of  the  lake,  and  court  proceedings  were  instituted. 
Thereafter  smaller,  more  shallow  and  marshy  lakes,  or  ponds  in  the 
vicinity  of  Crystal  Lake,  were  utilized  for  ice-getting  purposes,  and  the 
1  roduct  was  sold  in  Chicago  for  a  number  of  years,  but  as  soon  as  it 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  235 

became  generally  known  that  the  ice  was  not  from  Crystal  Lake,  the  con- 
sumers in  Chicago  and  elsewhere  sought  and  easily  found  places  from 
which  pure  ice  could  be  obtained. 

Much  enthusiasm  was  shown  in  1879-80  over  the  proposed  manu- 
facture of  sugar  from  sorghum.  The  government  commission  of  agricul- 
ture came  to  Crystal  Lake  from  Washington  City,  and  encouraged  the 
enterprise.  A  sugar  refinery  was  erected  at  Nunda,  now  Crystal  Lake, 
and  was  owned  by  F.  A.  Waidner  &  Company,  under  the  supervision 
of  J.  B.  Thomas,  of  Baltimore,  Md.  The  first  year's  results  were  indeed 
encouraging.  A  barrel  of  this  sugar  was  sent  to  President  Hayes,  and 
after  he  had  tested  it,  and  given  some  of  it  to  his  friends,  he  wrote  a 
very  nattering  letter  to  the  company.  For  some  unknown  reason  this 
project  was  discontinued. 

A  clover  and  fruit  dryer  was  another  project  of  the  earlier  history, 
but  like  the  ones  above  mentioned,  is  not  represented  in  the  business  life 
of  Crystal  Lake  today. 

In  1916  the  Express  Body  Corporation  started  business  at  Crystal 
Lake.  They  make  commercial  bodies  for  automobiles,  porch  swings  and 
pergolas,  and  sell  in  the  United  States  and  Europe.  During  the  busy 
season  employment  is  given  to  from  fifty  to  sixty  men.  The  present 
officers  are :  0.  C.  George,  president ;  M.  B.  George,  vice  president ;  and 
J.  K.  Seifert,  secretary  and  treasurer. 

SPRING   GROVE 

Large  amounts  of  washed  sand  and  pebbles  are  produced  at  an  ex- 
tensive plant  at  Spring  Grove,  on  the  Milwaukee  Railroad.  This  product 
is  used  in  ornamenting  walks,  lawns  and  residences  in  the  larger  cities. 
All  foreign  matter,  dirt,  grass,  moss  and  roots,  is  washed  out  by  a  process 
requiring  skill.     The  product  is  shipped  in  trainloads  over  a  wide  area. 

TERRA  COTTA 

The  American  Terra  Cotta  &  Ceramic  Company  was  founded  by 
William  D.  Gates  about  1885,  and  incorporated  in  1887,  and  manu- 
factures architectural  Terra  Cotta  and  Teco  pottery.  The  product  is 
shipped  throughout  the  United  States  and  Canada,  the  greater  portion 
within  the  Middle  West.  The  number  of  employes  of  these  works  is 
from  200  to  400,  with  an  average  of  about  300.  This  is  the  largest  plant 
of  its  kind  in  the  United  States.     The  company  has  another  factory  at 


236  BISTORT  OP  -M<  IIKXKV   COUNTY 

Indianapolis,  [nd.  The  presenl  officials  arc:  William  D.  Gates,  presi- 
dent; M.  K.  Gates,  assistanl  general  manager;  Neil  II.  Gates,  treasurer; 
A.  II.  Sheffield,  secretary;  and  Fritz  Wagner,  Jr.,  sales  manager. 

RICHMOND 

The  first  cheese  factory  in  the  county  was  started  a1  Richmond,  in 
1S6G,  by  Dr.  B.  R,  Stone  and  Hon.  William  A.  McConnell. 

The  Nippersink  Valley  Creamery  and  Cheese  Pactorj  was  built  in 
1880,  at  a  cost  of  $1,800,  and  conducted  by  J.  S.  Overton  &  Sen.  In  1885, 
its  capacity  having  in  the  meanwhile  been  greatly  enlarged,  this  factory 
was  producing  15,000  pounds  of  butter  and  60,000  pounds  of  cheese. 

The  Wheeler  Cheese  Factory  was  opened  in  .June.  1884.  It  was  built 
at  a  cost  of  $3,500,  and  its  capacity  was  15,000  pounds  of  milk  daily. 

G.  W.  Eldridge  and  John  McConnell  established  a  pickle  factory  at 
Richmond  in  1872,  erecting  their  plant  at  a  cost  of  $5,000.  Its  capacity 
was  25,000  bushels.  This  plant,  or  a  similar  one,  is  still  in  operation, 
and  its  product  of  many  cars  of  salted  cucumbers  is  shipped  to  large 
pickle  factories  at  different  points. 

The  Richmond  Flour  Mills  were  the  outgrowth  of  a  mill  built  in  1844 
by  Cotting  &  Purdy,  and  subsequently  acquired  by  W.  K.  Bacon,  who, 
in  1871  sold  to  Cole,  Cooley  &  Company.  At  that  time  the  property 
was  valued  at  $15,000,  having  been  enlarged  and  improved.  For  a 
number  of  years  this  was  the  principal  industry  of  the  village. 

THE  FARMERS  NEW  ERA  TELEPHONE   COMPANY 

By  George  A.  Hunt 

On  the  evening  of  April  23,  1904,  a  small  company  of  farmers  met  at 
the  home  of  J.  H.  Turner  in  Hebron  Township  and  organized  a  telephone 
company.  This  company  was  christened  The  Farmers  New  Era  Tele- 
phone Company,  and  was  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  Illinois  May 
25,  lf»04.  This  company  had  a  very  small  beginning  in  everything  except 
its  name  which  covered  quite  a  territory  and  proved  to  be  in  keeping 
with  the  later  developments  of  its  lines. 

The  first  directors  of  the  company  were  as  follows:  H.  R.  Hatch, 
J.  J.  Stewart,  J.  II.  Turner,  F.  N.  Torrance,  C.  C.  Hunt.  P.  J.  Weter, 
George  A.  Hunt,  I).  M.  Weter,  H.  F.  Jones.  At  the  first  annual  meet- 
ing J.  T.  Bower,  Richmond,  S.  C.  Johnston  and  J.  II.  Turner  were  elected, 
the  first  two  succeeding  H.  R.  Hatch  and  J.  J.  Stewart.     At  the  second 


HISTORY  OF  McHENET  COUNTY  237 

annual  meeting  P.  N.  Torrance,  C.  C.  Hunt,  Hebron,  and  Charles  Kruse, 
Richmond,  were  elected,  the  latter  taking  the  place  of  P.  J.  Weter.  At 
the  third  animal  meeting  George  A.  Hunt,  H.  F.  Jones  and  Gustav 
Miller  of  Richmond  were  elected,  D.  M.  Weter  retiring.  The  fourth 
year  J.  II.  MeYey  of  Silver  Lake  took  the  place  of  S.  C.  Johnston,  J.  T. 
Bower  and  J.  H.  Turner  being  reelected.  The  fifth  year  M.  R.  Cole  of 
Richmond  took  the  place  of  F.  N.  Torrance  and  C.  C.  Hunt  and  Charles 
Kruse  were  reelected.  The  sixth  year  George  A.  Hunt,  F.  N.  Torrance 
and  F.  E.  Holmes  of  Dundee  were  elected  on  the  board,  Gustav  Miller 
aud  H.  F.  Jones  retiring.  Since  that  time  no  changes  were  made  ou  the 
board  until  the  annual  meeting  in  February,  1921,  when  Dr.  C.  "W. 
Bailey  was  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  F.  N. 
Torrance. 

Since  the  company  was  incorporated  George  A.  Hunt,  now  of  Wood- 
stock, has  been  the  president  and  C.  C.  Hunt,  general  manager  of  the 
company.  The  first  vice  president,  D.  M.  Weter  of  Hebron,  served  three 
years  or  until  1907  when  he  was  succeeded  by  J.  T.  Bower  of  Richmond 
who  has  served  continuously  since  that  time.  P.  J.  Weter  was  elected 
secretary  of  the  company  at  the  first  meeting  and  served  in  that  capacity 
two  years.  He  was  succeeded  by  W.  I).  Cornue  who  served  four  years, 
and  he  in  turn  was  succeeded  by  F.  N.  Torrance  who  served  as  secretary 
and  treasurer  from  February,  1910,  to  July,  1920,  when  lie  resigned  and 
moved  with  his  family  to  Minnesota.  E.  H.  Lines,  who  succeeded  Mr. 
Torrance,  entered  upon  his  duties  as  secretary  August  1,  1920,  and  is  the 
present  incumbent  of  the  office. 

The  original  capital  stock  of  the  company  was  only  #5,000,  distributed 
among  forty  stockholders.  This  capital  was  increased,  December  20  of 
the  same  year  to  $15,000.  May  5  of  the  following  year  it  was  again 
increased  to  $30,000 ;  again  July  10,  1906,  to  $50,000,  and  since  February 

6,  1907,  the  company  has  had  an  authorized  capital  stock  of  $100,000. 

Among  the  first  activities  of  the  company  was  the  purchase,  July 

7,  1904,  from  The  Citizens  Telephone  Company,  of  the  Hebron  Telephone 
Exchange  with  seventeen  subscribers  and  the  farmer  lines  extending  from 
Greenwood  to  Hebron  and  Bissel.  A  second  purchase  from  The  Citizens 
Company  March  1,  1905,  included  the  toll  lines  extending  from  Hebron 
to  Alden,  Harvard,  Woodstock,  McHenry,  Richmond,  Solon  Mills  and 
Spring  Grove. 

A  temporary  agreement  for  the  interchange  of  business  was  made 
with  The  Chicago  Telephone  Company,  August  19,  1904.  A  more  com- 
plete agreement  was  concluded  with  the  Chicago  Company    (now  The 


238  HISTORY  OP  McHENEY  COUNTY 

Illinois  Bell)  July  19,  1905.  A  similar  agreemenl  was  made  with  the 
Wisconsin  Company  September  26,  1905.  These  agreements,  in  addition 
to  nt  her  considerations,  provided  an  opportunity  for  long  distance  con- 
nection between  New  Era  subscribers  and  all  outside  points. 

The  initial  directory  of  the  company  issued  November  23,  1904,  con- 
tained  the  names  of  seventy-three  subscribers.  In  September,  1906,  there 
were  380  subscribers.  In  February,  11)07.  the  number  of  subscribers  had 
increased  to  480  in  the  two  exchanges,  200  at  Richmond  and  280  at 
Eebron,  and  the  Qumber  of  stockholders  had  increased  from  forty  to 
129. 

The  territory  around  Wilmot,  Wisconsin,  was  acquired  during  the 
spring  of  1907,  and  an  exchange  established  at  that  point.  During  the 
same  year  the  company  erected  a  brick  building  at  Richmond  at  a  cost 
•  ■I'  ^S.1'00.  The  local  office  was  established  on  the  second  floor,  the  main 
floor  bringing  in  a  good  revenue  from  rentals.  A  building  lot  was  pur- 
chased in  Hebron  -Ian.  l.">.  1916,  on  which  it  is  proposed  to  some  day 
build  a  home  office  for  the  company.  The  central  office  being  now  lo- 
cated in  the  building  used  for  the  local  exchange.  The  number  of  sub- 
scribers have  increased  since  July  7,  1904,  from  seventeen  to  1,117.  These 
subscribers  are  now  being  served  through  the  exchanges  at  Hebron,  Rich- 
mond and  Wilmot. 

The  Farmers  New  Era  Telephone  Company  has  been  beset  by  many 
storms  and  difficulties.  Especially  during  its  early  history  was  its  hori- 
zon clouded  with  dire  forebodings  and  prophesies  of  misfortune  and 
ultimate  disaster.  The  clouds  have  blown  away  however  after  every 
storm  leaving  no  sign  of  calamity  or  of  reverses  excepting  losses  of  sev- 
eral thousands  of  dollars  occasioned  by  sleet  storms,  and  the  company 
has  continued  to  grow  ami  prosper  during  the  seventeen  years  of  its 
existence  until  it  now  owns,  in  addition  to  the  lot  in  Hebron  and  the 
building  in  Richmond,  325  miles  of  poles,  1,500  miles  of  wire.  38.000  feet 
of  cable  and  1,132  telephones.  Service  is  being  furnished  subscribers 
of  the  company  through  these  telephones  and  over  lines  of  the  company 
extending  from  the  Hebron  Exchange  four  miles  to  the  north,  eight  miles 
to  the  south,  six  miles  to  the  west  and  eighteen  miles  to  the  east  and 
reaching  patrons  of  the  company  in  and  adjacent  to  the  following  towns: 
Alden,  Hebron,  Greenwood,  Richmond,  Ringwood,  Solon  Mills  and 
Spring  Grove,  111.,  and  Basset,  Camp  Lake,  Wilmot,  Silver  Lake,  Twin 
Lakes,  Trevor  and  Zenda,  Wis. 


CHAPTER  XVI 
MILITARY 

PATRIOTISM — WAR   WITH    MEXICO QUOTA    IN    CIVIL    WAR — FIFTEENTH    ILLI- 
NOIS— TWENTY-THIRD      CONSOLIDATED THIRTY-SIXTH NINETY-FIFTH 

ONE   HUNDRED    FORTY-FIRST ONE    HUNDRED    FORTY-SECOND ONE    HUN- 
DRED   FORTY-SEVENTH ONE    HUNDRED     FIFTY-THIRD ONE     HUNDRED 

FIFTY-SIXTH EIGHTH     CAVALRY SEVENTEENTH     CAVALRY MISCEL- 
LANEOUS   RETROSPECT  —  SPANISH -AMERICAN    WAR MEXICAN   BORDER 

WARFARE DEPARTING  FOR  MEXICAN  BORDER THIRD  REGIMENT  STAFF 

TRUE    SPIRIT    OF    AMERICANISM WORLD    WAR DECLARATION    OF    WAR 

VOLUNTEERS SELECTIVE     DRAFT REGISTRATIONS — WORLD     WAR     REGIS- 
TRARS      ADMINISTERING     THE     OATH     OF     CITIZENSHIP    EXEMPTION 

BOARDS WAR     WORK BY     TOWNSHD?S CASUALTIES — ROLL     OF     HONOR 

SOLDIERS  HOME-COMING  WEEK CHAIRMEN  OF  HOME-COMING  COMMIT- 
TEES  WOODSTOCK   NATIONAL  GUARD GRAND  ARMY  OF  THE  REPUBLIC 

WOMAN'S  RELIEF  CORPS AMERICAN  LEGION. 

PATRIOTISM 

In  1917  the  people  of  the  United  States  awoke  from  the  deep  lethargy 
years  of  prosperity  had  brought  upon  them  and  began  to  define  in  their 
hearts  and  actions  the  real  meaning  of  patriotism.  They  soon  began  to 
realize  that  the  time  had  passed  when  standing  at  the  playing  of  the 
national  anthem  or  cheering  the  passing  troops  through  the  streets, 
constituted  the  full  measure  of  true  Americanism.  In  the  hard,  dark 
days  to  follow  they  were  to  come  through  the  bitterest  sacrifices  to  ap- 
preciate what  our  forefathers  won  for  us  in  their  struggles  to  secure 
freedom,  and  bring  about  an  era  of  peace  and  prosperity.  Thus  awaken- 
ing, it  was  natural  that  all  should  take  a  renewed  interest  in  the  exploits 
of  the  heroes  of  past  wars,  and  to  demand  that  some  account  of  them 
be  included  together  with  those  of  the  present-day  soldiers  and  sailors. 
Thus  the  latest  History  of  McHenry  County  would  in  no  sense  be  com- 
plete without  showing  what  the  people  of  the  county  performed  in  a 
military  line,  beginning  with  the  Indian  warfare,  the  Mexican  war,  the 

239 


240  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Civil  war.  the  Spanish-American  war.  as  well  as  to  give  all  thai  ran  be 
obtained  ai  this  date  concerning  "cur  own  boys,"  who,  animated  by 
the  same  spirit  as  prompted  their  forefathers  and  grandsires,  leaving 
their  homes  and  business  associations  to  engage  in  the  same  kind  of  a 
war  as  has  always  interested  this  country — one  for  the  oppressed  againsl 
the  oppressor.  The  part  taken  iii  the  Indian  war  was  necessarily  small 
in  this  county.  Hut  this  chapter  will  treat  especially  on  the  deeds  of 
Mexican,  Civil  war.  Spanish-American  and  World  war  soldiery.  All 
are  given  with  due  respect  and  reverence  as  well  as  the  tenderest  of 
feelings — the  tear  falls  from  the  young  life  sacrificed,  whether  it  was  ter- 
minated in  the  sixties,  the  nineties  or  in  the  World  war  jusl  closed, 
victorious  for  Liberty  and  Democracy,  practically  the  world  over. 

WAR    WITH    MEXICO 

Only  the  aged  men  of  these  times  will  recall  the  excitement  that 
prevailed  in  this  country  when  war  was  declared  against  .Mexico  in 
1846.  The  volunteers  from  Illinois  performed  such  an  aggressive,  con- 
spicuous part  in  the  war  with  Mexico  that  it  is  necessary  to  give  an 
epitome  of  the  war,  to  be  able  to  understand  and  appreciate  the  nature 
and  value  of  their  services,  and  render  them  due  credit  which  their 
importance  demands.  The  records  in  the  State  Adjutant  General's 
office  give  the  following  information: 

"On  the  11th  day  of  May,  1846,  Congre-s  passed  an  act,  declaring 
that  'By  the  act  of  the  Republic  of  Mexico,  a  state  of  war  exists  between 
that  Government  and  the  United  States.'  At  the  same  time  that  body 
made  an  appropriation  of  $10,000,000  to  cany  on  the  war,  and  au- 
thorized the  President  to  accept  50,000  volunteers. 

"This  force,  for  convenience  sake,  to  save  transportation,  and  be- 
cause of  their  already  well-known  ability  and  familiarity  with  firearms, 
was  drawn  principally  from  the  Southern  and  Western  States.  Illi- 
nois was  called  upon  for  three  regiments  of  infantry  or  riflemen,  and 
the  pay,  with  all  allowances,  placed  at  $15.50  per  month  to  the  private 
soldier.  The  militia  of  the  state  being  then  in  an  unorganized  condition. 
Governor  Ford  issued  a  call  for  thirty  full  companies  of  volunteers  of 
a  maximum  of  eighty  men,  to  serve  for  twelve  months,  and  with  the 
privilege  of  electing  their  own  officers  for  their  regiment." 

The  response  to  this  call  was  indeed  enthusiastic.  Within  ten  days 
thirty-five  full  companies  had  organized  and  reported.  By  the  time 
the   place   of   rendezvous   had   been   selected    (Alton),    there   had   been 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  241 

seventy-five  companies  recruited — each  furious  to  get  to  the  front,  and 
from  this  number  Governor  Ford  was  compelled  to  select  thirty  com- 
panies. Of  these  thirty  companies,  were  organized  the  First  Regiment, 
Col.  John  J.  Hardin;  the  Second  Regiment,  Col.  William  H.  Bissell ; 
and  the  Third  Regiment,  Col.  Ferris  Foreman,  which  were  recruited 
during  the  months  of  April,  May  and  June,  and  mustered  into  service 
of  the  United  States  at  Alton,  Illinois,  July  2,  1846. 

Hon.  E.  D.  Baker,  then  in  Congress  from  Illinois,  induced  the  Presi- 
dent to  let  him  recruit  the  Fourth  Regiment,  which  was  mustered  in 
July  18,  1846.  These  four  Illinois  regiments  served  through  the  war 
and  were  mustered  out  together. 

On  account  of  the  many  failures  upon  the  part  of  Illinois,  at  Wash- 
ington, to  get  an  accurate  list  of  Mexican  War  soldiers'  names,  even 
as  far  back  as  when  Robert  T.  Lincoln  was  Secretary  of  War,  it  will  be 
impossible  to  give  a  roster  of  such  soldiers  as  served  from  this  county. 
While  it  is  true  that  McHenry  County  was  thinly  settled  at  that  date, 
yet  there  were  pioneers  of  this  county  who  served  in  that  war  and  it 
is  to  be  regretted  that  such  lists  cannot  be  compiled  and  given  to  the 
department  at  Springfield.  Suffice  to  say  the  men  who  went  from  here 
wexe  men  who  feared  not  the  yell  of  the  Mexican. 

QUOTA    IN    CIVIL    WAR 

McHenry 's  men  have  always  been  loyal,  there  is  no  question  about 
that.  It  furnished  2,533  men  during  the  Civil  war,  within  three  of  its 
quota,  and  there  was  no  need  of  any  draft  there.  It  must  be  remem- 
bered that  the  drafted  service  had  another  meaning  during  the  Civil 
war  than  it  has  today.  Owing  to  the  much  smaller  army  raised,  until 
the  latter  part  of  the  war  there  were  plenty  of  volunteers,  and  the  draft 
was  not  made  until  a  community  showed  that  its  men  were  actively 
disloyal.  With  the  opening  up  of  our  participation  as  a  country,  in 
the  greatest  wyar  the  world  has  ever  known,  it  was  necessary  to  follow 
entirely  new  methods,  and  after  due  consideration  of  the  subject,  Con- 
gress decided  to  place  under  a  universal  draft  all  men  between  the  ages 
of  twenty-one  and  thirty-one  years  at  the  very  outset  of  the  formation  of 
the  new  army,  and  from  that  draft  thus  secured  10,000,000  men  in  the 
very  prime  of  manhood,  from  which  has  -been  developed  an  army  that 
commands  the  enthusiastic  respect  and  admiration  of  the  seasoned  troops 
of  countries  which  have  always  kept  large  standing  armies,  and  incul- 
cated military  training  of  all  classes. 


242 


HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 


FIFTEENTH    ILLINOIS 

Companies  A,  D  and  F,  of  the  Fifteenth  Illinois  Volunteer  Int'anlry, 
during  the  Civil  war,  were  composed  chiefly  of  McHenry  County  men. 
ami  these  were  the  first  companies  raised  in  McHenry  County  for  this 
war.  Captain  Lewis  D.  Kelly,  of  Company  A,  was  from  "Woodstock; 
First  Lieutenants  Daniel  C.  Joslyn,  Lawrence' H.  Jones,  Frederick  W. 
Smith  and  William  H.  Sherman,  were  all  from  AVoodstock.  Second 
Lieutenants  Mark  Hathaway,  Frederick  W.  Smith,  William  H.  Sher- 
man and  George  A.  Austin,  were  also  from  Woodstock.  Company  D 
had  as  its  captain,  Harley  Wayne,  of  Union,  while  its  first  lieutenants 
were  Frank  S.  Cnrtis,  Marengo;  Frederick  A.  Smith  of  Genoa;  Calvin 
H.  Shapely  of  Harmony;  John  Waldock  of  Marengo;  and  its  second 
lieutenants  were  Fred  A.  Smith  of  Genoa;  Peter  J.  Labaugh,  Marengo; 
John  Waldock,  Marengo ;  and  Michael  Schoonmaker,  Marengo.  In  Com- 
pany F,  the  captain  was  John  Paddock,  who  resigned,  and  he  was  fol- 
lowed by  William  Henry  of  Algonquin,  and  Frank  D.  Patterson  of 
Nunda.  McHenry  County  was  represented  in  this  company  by  first 
lieutenants  as  follows:  William  Henry  of  Algonquin;  John  J.  Sears 
of  Algonquin;  and  Frank  D.  Patterson  of  Nunda;  and  Simeon  L.  Eells 
of  Algonquin ;  while  all  of  the  second  lieutenants  at  the  time  of  organi- 
zation were  McHenry  County  men,  promoted  to  a  first  lieutenancy  as 
given  above.  The  regiment  was  mustered  into  service  May  21,  1861 ; 
re-enlisted  veterans  in  1864 ;  re-organized  in  March,  1865,  and  mustered 
out  September  20,  1865. 

TWENTY-THIRD    CONSOLIDATED 

The  Twenty-third  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  known  as  the  "Irish 
Brigade,"  was  mustered  into  the  service,  June  15,  1861;  re-enlisted  men 
in  August,  1864,  and  was  mustered  out  at  Richmond,  Va.,  July  24,  1865. 
McHenry  County  had  men  in  Companies  F,  G,  H  and  K.  The  captain 
of  Company  F,  Hiram  C.  Edison,  was  from  Chemung;  the  captain  of 
Company  H,  Edwin  R.  Cross,  wras  from  Chemung;  the  captain  of  Com- 
pany K,  Henry  Seigel,  was  from  Chemung;  and  its  first  lieutenant, 
Daniel  Morgan,  was  from  Nunda. 

THIRTY-SIXTH 


About  thirty-six  of  Company  A,  and  nearly  all  of  Company  H  of 
the  Thirty-sixth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry  were  from  McHenry  County, 


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HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  243 

among  the  officers  being  George  L.  Lyon,  chaplain,  from  Woodstock; 
William  Mitchell,  captain  of  Company  A,  from  Crystal  Lake ;  Franklin 
J.  Thwing,  first  lieutenant,  from  Crystal  Lake;  George  L.  Peeler,  first 
lieutenant,  from  Crystal  Lake;  Merritt  L.  Joslyn,  captain  of  Company 
II,  from  Woodstock;  Theodore  L.  Griffin,  captain,  from  Woodstock; 
Horace  N.  Crittenden,  captain,  from  Crystal  Lake;  Alfred  H.  Sellers, 
first  lieutenant,  from  Woodstock;  Charles  F.  Dyle,  first  lieutenant,  from 
Crystal  Lake;  Morris  Briggs,  first  lieutenant,  from  Algonquin.  This 
regiment  was  mustered  into  the  service  September  23,  1861,  and  mustered 
out  at  New  Orleans,  La.,  October  8,  1865. 

NINETY-FIFTH 

The  Ninety-fifth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry  had  in  it  673  men  from 
this  county.  In  Company  A,  commanded  by  Capt.  William  Avery,  there 
were  ninety-nine  men;  in  Company  C,  commanded  by  Capt.  John  B. 
Manzer,  there  were  100  men;  in  Company  D,  commanded  by  Capt.  Ed- 
ward J.  Cook,  there  were  eighty-four  men ;  in  Company  E,  commanded 
by  Capt.  John  Eddy,  there  were  ninety-six  men;  in  Company  F,  com- 
manded by  Capt.  William  H.  Stewart,  there  were  ninety-nine  men; 
in  Company  H,  commanded  by  Capt.  Charles  H.  Tryon,  there  were 
ninety-nine  men;  and  in  Company  I,  commanded  by  Capt.  James  Nish, 
there  were  ninety-six  men,  making  the  total  from  McHenry  County  of 
673  in  these  seven  companies.  This  regiment  was  mustered  into  the 
service  September  4,  1862;  recruited  in  August,  1864;  and  mustered 
out  August  8,  1865. 

ONE   HUNDRED  FORTY-FIRST 

Among  the  commissioned  officers  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Forty- 
first  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  a  100-day  regiment,  were  Jacob  D. 
Lansing,  Marengo,  lieutenant-colonel;  Harmon  A.  Buck,  Marengo,  sur- 
geon; F.  W.  Watson,  Marengo,  second  assistant  surgeon;  Charles  W. 
Ingersol,  Marengo,  first  lieutenant,  Company  F.  Company  A  contained 
one  McHenry  County  man;  Company  F,  twenty-six;  and  Company  K, 
twenty-one. 

ONE    HUNDRED    FORTY-SEVENTH 

In  Company  I  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Forty-seventh  Illinois  Volun- 
teer Infantry  (one  year's  service),  there  were  twenty-five  men  from  this 


244 


HISTORY  OP  McHEXRY  COUNTY 


county.     This  regiment  was  mustered  into  service   February  is,   1864, 
and  -was  mustered  out  January  120,  1866. 

ONE    HUNDRED   FORTY-SECOND 

About  twenty  McHenry  County  men  served  in  Company  C.  One  Hun- 
dred and  Forty-second  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  which  was  a  100- 
day  regiment,  mustered  in  June  18,  1S64.  and  mustered  out  October 
26,  1864. 

ONE  HUNDRED   FIFTY-THIRD 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fifty-third  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry  had 
the  following  men  in  it  from-  this  county:  Company  A,  seventeen; 
Company  B,  thirty-three;  Company  C,  twenty-one;  Company  F,  two; 
Company  K,  eighty-five.  The  commissioned  officers  of  this  regiment 
from  McHenry  County  were  as  follows:  Capt.  Charles  H.  Hickcock, 
Hartland;  First  Lieutenants  John  H.  Payne,  Hartland,  and  William  R. 
Colburn,  Richmond.  This  company  was  mustered  into  the  service  Feb- 
ruary 18,  180."),  for  one  year,  and  was  mustered  out  September  15, 
1865*. 

ONE    HUNDRED    FIFTY-SIXTH 

There  were  no  privates  from  this  county  in  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fifty-sixth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  hut  the  following  commissioned 
officers  were  from  this  county:  Erwin  B.  Messer,  Chemung,  lieutenant- 
colonel;  Mortimor  P.  Bundy,  Hebron,  captain,  Company  C:  Chester  M. 
Stewart,  Hebron,  second  lieutenant,  Company  C;  Emanuel  Engelsted, 
first  lieutenant,  Company  C ;  Thomas  S.  Sexton,  Chemung,  captain. 
Company  E;  David  G.  Hudson,  first  lieutenant,  Company  E;  Martin 
Dalwy,  Chemung,  second  lieutenant,  Company  E;  Nelson  W.  Clark, 
Hebron,  captain,  Company  K;  John  W.  S.  Bergman,  Hebron,  second 
lieutenant,  Company  K.  This  regiment  was  mustered  into  the  service 
March  9,  1865,  and  mustered  out  September  20,  1865. 

EIGHTH    CAVALRY 


The   Eighth    Illinois  Volunteer  Cavalry   had   several    companies   re- 
■ruited  from  McHenry  County.  Company  II  being  composed  almost  en- 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  245 

tirely  of  men  from  here.  In  Company  G  there  were  twenty-six  men 
from  McHenry  County;  in  Company  H,  about  150;  in  Company  I, 
about  thirty-three,  and  there  were  about  thirty  more  scattered  through- 
out the  regiment.  This  regiment  was  mustered  into  the  service  Septem- 
ber 18,  1861,  and  was  mustered  out  July  17,  1865.  Its  commissioned 
officers  from  McHenry  County  were  as  follows:  Edward  1).  Dowd, 
captain,  Company  II ;  -first  lieutenants,  Company  H,  Isaac  F.  Russell, 
Crystal  Lake,  and  Isaac  M.  Brooks,  McHenry. 

SEVENTEENTH    CAVALRY 

About  twenty  men  from  McHenry  County  served  in  Company  B 
of  the  above  regiment.  Company  G  was  made  up  almost  entirely 
of  them.  Its  commissioned  officers  were  as  follows:  Louis  D.  Kelly, 
Dorr,  and  Cyrus  Hutchinson,  Benton,  captains;  Christopher  D.  Kelly, 
Dorr,  and  Albert  A.  Amet,  Evanston,  first  lieutenants;  and  Ebenezer 
Knapp,  Richmond,  and  William  H.  Austin,  Richmond,  second  lieu- 
tenants. This  regiment  was  mustered  in  January  22,  1864,  and  was 
mustered  out  in  November  and  December  of  1865. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Thirty-two  men  from  McHenry  County  served  in  Company  I,  Fifty- 
second  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  about  twelve  in  Company  G 
of  that  regiment.  Twenty-six  from  McHenry  County  served  in  Com- 
pany E,  Eighty-fourth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry.  In  the  Sixteenth 
Cavalry  about  twenty-five  of  the  McHenry  County  men  served,  prin- 
cipally in  Company  H.  Among  its  officers  were  Captain  Hiram  M. 
Planchett,  "Woodstock,  Company  M ;  and  First  Lieutenant  Henry  D. 
Stocker,  of  McHenry,  Company  M. 

RETROSPECT 

Many  years  have  passed  since  the  "boys  in  blue"  came  marching 
home.  The  majority  of  them  settled  down  into  private  life,  and  were 
spared  to  rovmd  out  a  long  and  useful  life. 

In  looking  over  the  records  at  the  McHenry  County  courthouse,  it 
is  discovered  that  this  county  issued  bounty  orders  amounting  to 
$260,000,  of  which  $90,000  were  outstanding  in  187o\  These  orders 
drew  eight  and  ten  per  cent  interest,  but  were  about  that  date  made 


246  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

uniformly  eight  per  cent  interest.    This  debt  has  long  since  been  wiped 
out. 

The  old  camp-ground  is  silent  now. 

All  hushed  the  martial  tread; 
The  night  winds  cannot  soothe  their  brow, 

They  slumber  with  the  dead. 
"Tenting  tonight"  they  will  not  sing: 

Ah,  boys,  the  camps  are  still; 
The  battle's  and  the  cannons'  ring 

Is  silent  on  the  hill. 

You  will  not  march  again; 

God  bless  your  rest  tonight. 
Your  suffering  and  pain 

Have  clothed  your  soul  in  white. 
The  battle-call  is  ended, 

The  bugle  notes  are  still, 
'Tis  silent  on  the  hill. 

(The  last  line  refers  to  the  National  Cemetery  on  Arlington  Heights, 
near  Washington,  D.  C.) 

SPANISH-AMERICAN    WAR 

Not  since  1846  and  1848  had  the  United  States  been  forced  to  meas- 
ure strength  with  a  foreign  foe.  Not  since  the  Mexican  War  had  it 
been  necessary  to  pit  the  courage  and  military  ability  of  the  United 
States  soldier  and  sailor  against  those  of  a  foreign  power.  It  remained 
for  Spain  to  rouse  the  ire  and  just  resentment  of  "Uncle  Sam"  and 
bring  on  a  conflict  which,  for  short,  sharp,  and  incisive  action  cannot  be 
paralleled  in  the  history  of  nations. 

The  tragedy  of  the  "Maine"  in  the  friendly  harbor  of  Havana,  Cuba, 
electrified  the  people  of  the  globe  with  horror  and  indignation.  In  the 
United  States  amidst  the  cries  for  just  revenge  could  be  heard  the  sobs 
of  anguish  and  distress  from  the  lips  of  the  bereaved  parents,  wives 
and  sweethearts.  The  thunders  of  a  nation's  resentment  filled  the  air 
while  millions  demanded  that  full  punishment  should  be  meted  out  to 
those  guilty  of  this  wholesale  murder. 

On  February  17,  1898,  while  the  General  Assembly  of  Illinois  was 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  247 

convened  in  an  extra  session,  one  foresaw  the  conflict  that  was  to  come 
and  sent  to  the  House  of  Representatives  the  following  message : 

"To  the  Honorable  House  of  Representatives: 

"The  news  of  the  calamity  which  has  overtaken  the  United  States 
battleship  'Maine'  and  its  ill-fated  crew,  fills  me  with  grief  and  horror 
and  I  assume  that  the  General  Assembly  will  by  joint-resolution  ex- 
press the  sympathy  of  the  people  of  this  State  for  the  gallant  dead  and 
wounded  of  our  Navy  and  their  surviving  relatives. 

"I  am  unwilling  to  believe  that  the  loss  of  the  'Maine'  was  the  re- 
sult of  intention,  and  trust  that  the  official  investigation  ordered  by 
our  government  may  demonstrate  that  it  was  due  to  accidental  causes. 
In  view  of  the  uncertainty  which  exists,  as  to  this  point,  it  would  seem 
that  before  the  Legislature  adjourns  sine  die  it  would  authorize  the 
executive  to  tender  to  the  President  of  the  United  States,  on  behalf  of 
the  State  of  Illinois,  whatever  moral  and  material  support  may  be 
necessary  in  this  emergency  to  maintain  the  honor  of  the  American  flag 
and  prevent  or  punish  any  attempt  at  hostile  invasion  of  our  common 
country. 

John  R.  Tanner,  Governor." 

All  that  was  requested  by  the  governor  was  granted  by  the  Illinois 
Legislature. 

In  this  war  with  Spain  in  1898,  and  the  subsequent  campaign  in 
the  Philippines,  McHenry  County  did  her  part  loyally,  promptly 
and  well.  The  most  of  the  men  from  this  county  were  members  of  the 
Third  Regiment  of  Illinois  Infantry  Volunteers.  The  regiment  was 
enrolled  April  26,  1898,  and  mustered  into  the  service  for  two  years, 
May  7,  1898,  at  Camp  Tanner,  Springfield,  111.  The  regiment  left  Camp 
Tanner,  and  arrived  at  Chickamauga  Park  May  16,  1898 ;  arrived  at 
Newport  News,  July  24,  1898;  sailed  on  the  "St.  Louis"  for  Porto  Rico, 
July  25,  1898 ;  arrived  Ponce,  P.  R.,  July  31,  1898 ;  landed  at  Arroyo, 
August  2,  1898,  under  slight  resistance  of  Spanish.  They  participated 
in  engagements  at  Guayama,  August  5,  1898,  north  of  Guayama,  August 
8  and  13,  1898;  did  outpost  duty  north  of  Guayama  till  October  1,  1898; 
were  in  camp  east  of  Guayama  until  November  2,  1898;  embai-ked  on 
"Roumania"  for  New  York,  November  2,  1898,  and  sailed  November 
3,  1898,  arriving,  November  9,  1898.  The  men  were  ordered  to  home 
stations  via  railroad,  arriving  November  11,  1898.  The  regiment  was 
finally  mustered  out  at  Joliet,  111.,  January  24,  1899. 

The  soldiers  from  McHenry  County  were  mostly  members  of  Com- 


248  HISTORY  OP  McHENKY  COUNTY 

pany  G,  Third  Regiment,  and  their  names,  according  to  the  adjutant's 

report  for  Illinois  are  as  follows: 

Captain — William  ('.  Eichelberger,   Woodstock.     First  lieutenant- 
Horatio  W.  Wright,   W Istoek.     Second   lieutenant — Frank   C.   Hana- 

fnrd.  Woodstock.  First  sergeant — Joseph  S.  Kline,  Woodstock.  Sergeants 
— James  Sullivan,  Woodstock*;  Conute  Lee,  Woodstock,  promoted  to  firsl 
sergeant;  William  T.  Charles,  Woodstock,  discharged  for  disability, 
July  18,  1898.  Corporals — Thomas  0.  Cowlin,  Woodstock,  promoted 
sergeanl  May  7.  1898,  and  mustered  out,  January.  1899;  John  II.  Bur- 
hank.  Woodstock,  promoted  sergeant.  May,  1898;  Augustus  W.  Wagner, 
Woodstock;  Alex  G.  Darrall,  Woodstock.  Artificer — George  H.  Wood, 
Woodstock.  Musician — John  W.  Metzger,  Woodstock,  promoted  cor- 
poral June  24,  1898.  Privates — Aspholm,  Herman,  Woodstock;  Ander- 
son, Charles,  Woodstock ;  Bachman,  Emil,  Woodstock ;  Brown,  Henry, 
Woodstock;  Brass,  Ernest  F.,  Woodstock;  Charles,  Clayton,  Woodstock, 
transferred  to  general  hospital  corps,  June  13,  1898;  Vonover,  Howard 
L.,  Huntley ;  Carr,  Owen,  Woodstock ;  Durenberger,  A.  H.,  Woodstock, 
promoted  to  corporal;  Fay,  Charles  S.,  Woodstock;  Fleming,  Jesse  L., 
Woodstock,  promoted  sergeant;  Fritz,  William  F.,  Woodstock;  Frazier, 
William  H.,  Woodstock;  Gilbert,  Noah  L.,  Harvard;  Hanson,  Louis  F .. 
Woodstock;  Hanver,  Louis  L.,  Woodstock;  Hanson.  Walter,  Woodstock; 
Houdson,  Isaac  W.,  Woodstock ;  Hohn,  John,  Woodstock ;  Jensen,  Nels, 
Woodstock;  Jensen,  Christian,  Woodstock,  died,  November  11,  1898; 
Jensen,  Anders  P.,  Woodstock;  Keating.  Michael  G.,  Huntley;  Larson, 
Peter,  Woodstock;  Merwin,  Thomas  P.,  Woodstock,  promoted  musician. 
June,  1898;  Mortenson,  Jens  P..  Huntley;  Matterson,  Win  L.,  Har- 
vard; Mountain,  Henry  E.,  Woodstock,  promoted  corporal,  June,  1898; 
Miner,  Clyde  C,  Woodstock,  promoted  corporal,  July.  1898;  McCarthy. 
Charles  E.,  Woodstock;  McCauley,  Simon  B..  Woodstock;  Peterson, 
Frank,  Woodstock;  Peterson,  Michael  M.,  Woodstock;  Parsons,  Wil- 
liam L..  Woodstock;  Pierson,  James  W..  Woodstock;  Bouning,  Charles 
A.,  Woodstock;  Roach,  Arthur  I:.  Harvard,  discharged,  June,  1898; 
Siebel,  August  F.  W.,  Woodstock;  Smith,  Paid,  Woodstock;  Smith. 
E.  D.  J.,  Woodstock;  Smith.  Charles  M..  Woodstock;  Stevens,  Oliver 
L.,  Harvard,  died  in  Porto  Rico,  his  remains  being  brought  back  for 
burial;  Stratton,  William  L.,  Woodstock;  Sullivan,  Alva  A.,  Wood- 
stock; Snitkey,  William  A.,  Harvard;  Tranto,  Charles.  Woodstock; 
Tweed,  Robert  G.,  Woodstock;  Wurtzinger.  John  J..  Woodstock,  pro- 
moted to  corporal,  June,  1898;  Woodward,  A..  Woodstock,  died,  No- 
vember   I'!'.    1S9S;    Windt.    Herman    J..    Woodstock;    Windt.    Carl    P., 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  249 

Woodstock;  Walton,  Frank,  Woodstock;  Woodard,  Arthur  E.,  Harvard; 
Williams,  Charles  E.,  Hartland,  discharged,  May  22,  1898;  Allworden, 
William  C,  Woodstock;  Averill,  Fred  H.,  Hebron;  Bennett,  Frank  W., 
McHenry;  Bennett,  Herbert  L.,  McHenry;  Brown,  Thomas  L.,  Ma- 
rengo; Colby,  Nye  W.,  McHenry;  Corrigan,  Joseph  J.,  Woodstock; 
Delaunty,  Richard  F.,  Woodstock;  Deitz,  Frank  A.,  Woodstock;  En- 
geln,  George,  McHenry;  Grace,  Thomas  R.,  Woodstock,  died,  October 
1,  1898,  on  board  ship  hospital,  "Missouri";  Hall,  Guy  C,  Ringwood; 
Holly,  Albert,  McHenry ;  Murphy,  Burt  R.,  Greenwood ;  Nichel,  Charles, 
.Marengo;  Rothermel,  William,  McHenry;  Selby,  Alex  C,  Marengo; 
Smith,  Edward,  Woodstock;  Stoddard,  William  P.,  Hebron;  Swadish, 
Charles,  McHenry;  Theln,  Martin,  McHenry;  Theln,  Michael  J..  -Mc- 
Henry ;  VanSlyke,  Jesse  M.,  McHenry. 

MEXICAN    BORDER    WARFARE 

During  1916  trouble  fomented,  as  is  well  recognized  now.  by  the 
enemies  abroad  and  at  home  of  this  country,  the  republic  across  the 
Rio  Grande  began  to  question  the  integrity  of  the  good  faith  of  the 
government  of  the  United  States.  The  various  disturbances  which  had 
arisen  from  time  to  time  along  the  border,  had  been  handled  with  the 
same  open-handed  and  generous  policy  which  has  always  characterized 
this  nation,  but  with  the  internal  troubles  the  recognized  government 
were  having  with  Villa,  decided  this  government  to  send  into  Mexico 
an  expedition  to  assist  the  Mexican  government  in  capturing  the  rebel. 
When  the  Mexican  government  signified  that  it  was  able  to  resume  full 
control,  our  troops  were  withdrawn  as  they  were  at  no  time  regarded, 
nor  were  they  meant  to  be  regarded,  as  an  invading  force  sent  into 
Mexico  to  interfere  with  that  country's  home  government.  The  Na- 
tional Guards  were  mobilized  from  all  over  the  countiy,  and  sent  into 
Texas,  where  those  who  did  not  participate  in  the  trip  into  the  interior 
of  Mexico  had  the  benefit  of  some  months  of  training  on  the  border, 
which  prepared  them  for  the  more  strenuous  life  in  the  training  camps 
after  the  United  States  had  declared  war  upon  Germany.  Never  be- 
fore in  the  history  of  any  country  was  so  large  a  force  of  men  assembled, 
with  so  peaceful  a  purpose,  under  the  name  of  war,  and  the  President 
of  the  United  States  reiterated  his  assertions  as  to  the  good  faith  of 
this  government  to  the  Mexican  representatives  when  they  met  with 
him  in  the  spring  of  1918.  At  that  time  the  rebel  Villa  was  still  at 
large,  the  Mexican   government  having   not   been   able   as  yet   to   that 


250  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

date,  to  capture  liini  in  spite  of  declining  the  help  of  the  United  States 
to  do  so. 

DEPARTING    FOR    MEXICAN    BORDER 

When  the  Mexican  Border  War  commenced  in  the  spring  of  1916, 

the  National  Guards  were  at  once  called  to  the  colors,  and  on  the  evening 
of  June  22,  Company  G,  of  Woodstock,  left  for  Springfield,  Illinois, 
at  the  command  of  the  Governor.  This  company  saw  service  in  the  hot 
sands  of  a  far  southern  eliine — real  soldier  hardships  they  endured,  and 
in  a  year  from  that  time  they  were  sworn  in  as  soldiers  to  "go  over 
seas."  It  is  befitting  in  this  chapter  that  a  roster  of  these  men  be  given 
in  this,  a  History  of  their  home  county : 

THIRD    REGIMENT    STAFF 

Colonel — Charles  Greene,  Aurora.  Lieutenant  Colonel — Frank 
Bacon,  Am-ora.  Adjutant  Captain — W.  H.  Brogunier,  Rockford. 
Quartermaster  Captain — Richard  Boyer,  Rockford.  Commissary 
Captain — Wilbur  Thornton,  Pontiac.  Chaplain — Captain  A.  R.  Clinch, 
Rockford.  Medical  Department — Major  Robert  Bourland,  Rock- 
ford; Captain  J.  A.  McCaughey,  Hoopeston;  Captain  A.  E.  Lord, 
Piano ;  Major  Sergeant  Emil  Rhutishauser,  Aurora.  Battalion  Majors 
— C.  C.  Miner,  Woodstock;  Edward  Leonard,  Rockford;  L.  F. 
Strawn,  Pontiac.  Battalion  Adjutant — James  Sanders,  Aurora.  Bat- 
talion Quartermaster — Second  Lieutenant  Paul  Ritt,  Woodstock.  Com- 
panies^— A,  DeKalb,  Captain  H.  Goodeson;  B,  Hoopeston,  Captain  Earl 
Thornton;  C,  Ottawa,  Captain  Ralph  C.  Woodard;  D,  Aurora,  Captain 
Charles  Harkison;  E,  Elgin,  Captain  William  Peck;  F,  Pontiac,  Cap- 
tain Fred  Dewey;  G,  Woodstock,  Captain  0.  H.  Corr;  H,  Rockford, 
Captain  A.  R.  Tetlow ;  I,  Aurora,  Captain  John  H.  Newman ;  K,  Rock- 
ford, Captain  Charles  Sowel;  L,  Kankakee.  Being  organized  and  new 
officers  elected — M,  Belvidere,  Captain  Harry  Haskins. 

COMPANY  G 

Officers:  Captain — 0.  H.  Corr.  First  Lieutenant — William  Thomp- 
son. Second  Lieutenant — Jjester  Edinger.  First  Sergeant — C.  Halde- 
man.  Sergeants — William  Donnelly,  Ralph  Thayer,  Earl  Clement, 
Fred   Brewer,   Harry    Francisco,    Henry    Schmitt.      Corporals — George 


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HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  251 

Brahy,  John  Long,  Louis  Thayer,  Charles  Woodard,  William  Stewart, 
Alderson  Dove.  Cook — Martin  Olson.  Musicians — Leo  Sehryver,  An- 
drew Grafmueller. 

Privates — Anderson,  Theodore;  Bartlett,  Porter;  Bennett,  Bert;  Ben- 
nett, James;  Bergthal,  Joseph;  Berners,  John;  Berry,  William;  Bill, 
Ransom;  Boone,  Lester;  Botts,  Charles;  Bowman,  Herbert;  Brahy, 
Harry;  Brown,  Henry;  Burbriclge,  Richard;  Buxton,  Bernard;  Carl- 
son, Henry;  Carvey,  Harley;  Churchill,  Ralph;  Clark,  Leo;  Clark, 
Everett;  Clark,  LeRoy ;  Clyde,  Teddy;  Dunker,  Herman;  Emanuel, 
Fred;  Fairmount,  William;  Feffer,  Albert;  Fish,  Isaac;  Fish,  Warren; 
Fitzek,  Joseph;  Floyd,  Dale;  Foss,  Merle;  Fredendall,  Elmer.;  Garri- 
son, George;  Geske,  Charles;  Geske,  Walter;  Gruidl,  Joseph;  Haase, 
William;  Hansmann,  Clarence;  Hayward,  Ed.;  Hildebrandt,  Ralph; 
Hinderlider,  Ernest;  Hoffmeyer,  Walter;  Hoke,  William;  Howell,  John; 
Howell,  Ogle;  Jessen,  Chris;  Kilburne,  William;  Knapp,  Grey;  Kohls, 
William ;  Kramer,  Rudolph ;  Kretchmer,  Lloyd ;  Larson,  Eugene ; 
Leighty,  Wedge;  Long,  Ray;  McCarthy,  Brace;  Mackey,  Leo;  McGee, 
Raymond;  McLaughlin,  Lester;  Miller,  William;  Nohr,  William; 
O'Brien,  Jesse;  Ogden,  Glenn;  Paepke,  Rudolph;  Rasmussen,  Edmund; 
Redman,  Mark ;  Reese,  Roy  ;  Richards,  Clifton  ;  Risting,  John ;  Roderick, 
Chester ;  Roderick,  Ray ;  Sandf ord,  Cyrus ;  Schneider,  Harry  ;  Schmulle, 
William;  Schutt,  Albert;  Sheehy,  Frank;  Sponholtz,  William;  Som- 
mers,  Adolph;  Stephenson,  Frank;  Stott,  James;  Strubbe,  Roy;  Ten- 
nyson, Joyce;  Terwilliger,  Everett;  Tuite,  John  C;  Umathum,  Michael; 
Umathum,  Peter;  Walker,  Benjamin;  Warner,  Edward;  Wendt,  Fred; 
Williams,  Burns;  Winegar,  Ralph;  Woods,  Raymond;  Wright,  Armour. 

TRUE  SPIRIT  OF  AMERICANISM 

On  the  same  day  that  this  company  left  for  Mexico,  the  Sentinel, 
of  Woodstock,  had  the  following  call  which  was  freely  responded  to, 
and  the  same  is  entitled  to  a  place  in  the  history  of  the  community 
which  has  always  been  "over  the  top"  in  such  matters,  even  from  away 
back  in  Civil  war  days. 

Will  you  do  your  duty? 

Company  G  is  called  to  the  colors. 

Eighteen  years  ago  the  call  to  arms  rang  out  over  this  free  land, 
and  Company  G  responded,  just  as  Company  G  is  responding  today. 
Down  in  Chickamauga  Park  and  in  Porto  Rico  our  boys  from  home 
learned  the  meaning  of  need,  of  sickness,  of  suffering.    There  were  many 


252  HISTORY  OF  McHBNRY  COUNTY 

things  necessary — emergencies   arose   demanding    immediate   attention, 
quick  action. 

Somebody  bark  in  Woodstock,  with  the  love  of  Christ  and  humanity 
in  his  heart,  had  foreseen  all  this  and  started  a  relief  fund  for  Company 
6.  That  relief  fund  brought  comforts  and  necessities  for  the  Wood- 
stock boy  who  lay  ill  under  the  hot  Porto  Rican  sun.  Had  it  not  been 
for  that  fund  he  might  now  be  lying  in  a  narrow  green  bed,  which  you 
and  I  would  strew  with  flowers  on  even-  thirtieth  of  May.  Or  the  wasted 
form  might  have  found  its  last  resting  place  under  the  tropic  skies,  or 
in  the  still  waters  to  the  far  South. 

Again  Company  G  is  called  to  the  colors. 

Perhaps  our  boys  will  go  to  the  border  or  into  Mexico.  There  is  au 
arid  region,  a  burning  sun,  water  unfit  to  drink. 

There  may  be  battles,  weary  marches — there  may  be  fever  and  pes- 
tilence. All  of  these  things  the  boys  of  Company  G  bravely  risk,  and 
in  most  cases  they  are  giving  up  remunerative  employment  to  shoulder 
the  responsibility  of  your  community  and  my  community,  for  the  mag- 
nificent return  of  fifty  cents  per  day. 

Not  all  of  us  can  go  to  war.  But  all  of  us  can  be  patriotic.  Each 
one  of  us  can  do  his  share  in  one  way  or  another. 

Who  is  there  among  us  who  cannot  donate  something  toward  a  fund 
for  Company  G? 

The  Sentinel  is  starting  a  movement  to  establish  a  relief  fund  to 
be  used  for  the  boys  of  Company  G  in  case  of  need,  of  sickness, 
of  suffering.  Such  a  fund  may  prove  the  saving  of  one  life,  or  of  many 
lives — if  but  one  of  our  boys  from  home  is  rescued  out  of  the  shadow 
of  death  because  you  and  I  had  forethought  for  his  comfort,  will  it  not 
all  have  been  worth  while? 

We  devoutly  pray  that  none  of  the  hardships  cited  may  befall  our 
lads,  but  all  are  possibilities  for  which  it  is  our  duty  to  be  prepared. 
Will  you  do  your  share  to  alleviate  suffering,  should  suffering  come .' 

Subscription  blanks  are  being  prepared  and  will  be  placed  in  all 
of  the  stores  and  business  houses  about  town.  These  provide  that  all 
money  donated  in  the  cause  shall  be  placed  in  any  of  the  banks  of  Wood- 
stock to  the  credit  of  Company  G,  to  be  used  for  the  company  as  its 
commanding  officer  may  deem  best. 

Will  you  help? 

A  number  of  the  business  men  of  Woodstock  are  holding  a  meeting 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  253 

in  the  association  rooms  this  afternoon  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  purse 
to  send  with  the  boys  tonight.  This  is  to  be  only  a  starter,  and  the  ap- 
peal is  to  be  general.  Residents,  not  only  of  Woodstock,  but  of  Mc- 
Henry  County,  and  any  others  who  may  be  interested  in  Company  G,  are 
invited  to  make  contributions  to  the  fund.  A  list  of  all  contributions 
will  be  kept  and  acknowledgment  made  through  the  newspapers  of  Wood- 
stock.   Donations  can  be  sent  to  The  Sentinel  if  desired. 

The  road  of  the  soldier  is  not  strewn  with  flowers.  Veterans  of  the 
Civil  and  Spanish  wars  can  tell  you  what  the  camp,  the  march,  the  bat- 
tle bring.  If  your  boy,  or  that  neighbor's  boy  whom  you  have  known 
since  childhood,  goes  out  of  Woodstock,  tonight  into  unknown  dangers, 
into  the  strife  of  battle,  into  the  weary,  painful  monotony  of  the  field 
hospital,  wouldn't  you  like  to  feel  that  YOU  are  helping  to  ease  his  pain, 
comfort  his  loneliness  and  nourish  his  body .' 

What  will  you  give  to  Company  G? 

THE   WORLD    WAR 

At  the  beginning  this  was  a  war  between  numerous  European  coun- 
tries, the  cause  of  which  will  not  here  be  discussed.  From  August,  1914, 
to  April  6,  1917,  it  was  fought  without  the  aid  of  America,  but  on  that 
date  the  United  States  declared  war  against  the  German  Empire.  The 
war  terminated  in  the  signal  defeat  and  overthrow  of  the  Germans  and 
their  long  boasted  military  power. 

DECLARATION  OF  WAR 

Although  the  people  had  foreseen  that  war  was  inevitable,  the  actual 
declaration  of  it  on  April  6,  1917,  brought  a  realization  home  to  the 
country  that  now  would  the  mettle  of  the  populace  be  tried  as  in  a  fiery 
furnace.  Aside  from  chronic  objectors,  and  uninformed  pacificists,  no 
one  not  in  active  sympathy  with  Germany  had  any  criticism  to  offer, 
and  the  majority  were  fired  with  wild  enthusiasm.  Many  schemes  were 
put  forth,  ideas  were  exchanged,  and  advice  offered,  but  acting  de- 
liberately and  systematically,  studying  the  question  from  all  angles, 
and  in  the  light  of  the  experience  of  our  allies,  the  President  and  his 
advisors  laid  out  a  plan  of  conduct  for  war  which  placed  practically  a 
million  trained  men  in  France  before  July  4,  1918,  and  had  American 
soldiers  fighting  long  before  that  date. 


254  HISTORY  OF  McIIEXRY  COl'STY 

voi.rXTEERS 

This  country  has  always  called  for  volunteers  when  making  war 
against  another  country,  or  a  section  of  this  one,  and  so  following  this 
old  custom,  the  Government  first  issued  the  call.  And  McHenry  County 
responded  with  about  530  enlisted  men,  in  various  departments,  at  va- 
rious recruiting  stations,  from  .Maine  to  California,  hence  no  accurate 
record  of  these  men  will  be  had  until  an  adjutant-general's  report  is 
published  some  years  hence.  The  same  is  true  concerning  the  drafted 
men,  no -complete  roster  is  now  obtainable,  as  no  true  record  was  retained 
by  the  local  board,  but  all  records  were  sent  to  either  the  state  or  na- 
tional capital.  It  is  known,  however,  from  memoranda  kept,  that  there 
was  between  1,450  and  1,500  men  served  in  all  departments  of  the  serv- 
ice, wlm  went  from,  and  in  the  end  will  be  credited  to  McHenry  County. 
Of  this  number  760  were  accepted  under  the  drafts;  153  in  Company  (i 
National  Guards  from  Woodstock,  while  the  remainder  were  enlisted  in 
the  army  and  navy  and  in  other  branches  of  the  service,  making  in  round 
numbers  about  1,475  men,  of  whom  fifty-seven  lost  their  lives. 

SELECTIVE   DRAFT 

No  better  explanation  for  passing  of  the  legislation  and  the  levying 
of  the  selective  draft  can  be  given  than  by  publishing  the  following 
letter  written  by  President  Wilson  in  reply  to  one  written  to  him  by 
Representative  Guy  T.  Helvering  of  Kansas,  a  Democrat,  which  Mr. 
Wilson  made  public  April  19,  1917. 

"I  welcome  the  inquiry  of  your  letter  of  April  19,  because  I  have 
realized  the  truth  of  what  you  say  from  my  own  observations — namely, 
that  what  is  meant  to  be  understood  by  the  selective  draft  is  not  gen- 
erally understood  throughout  the  country. 

"The  process  of  the  draft  is,  I  think,  very  clearly  set  forth  in  the 
bill  drafted  by  the  war  department  and  which  I  so  earnestly  hope  the 
congress  will  adopt,  but  it  is  worth  while  to  state  the  idea  which  under- 
lies the  bill  a  little  more  fully. 

"I  took  occasion  the  other  day  in  an  address  to  the  people  of  the 
country  to  point  out  the  many  forms  of  patriotic  service  that  were 
open  to  them  and  to  emphasize  the  fact  that  the  military  part  of  the 
service  was  by  no  means  the  only  part,  and  perhaps,  all  things  con- 
sidered, not  the  most  vital  part. 

"Our  object  is  a  mobilization  of  all  the  productive  and  active  forces 


HISTOKY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  255 

of  the  nation,  and  their  development  to  the  highest  point  of  co-opera- 
tion and  efficiency,  and  the  idea  of  the  selective  draft  is  that  those 
should  be  chosen  for  service  in  the  army  who  can  be  most  readily  spared 
from  the  prosecution  of  the  other  activities  the  country  must  engage 
in  and  to  which  it  must  devote  a  great  deal  of  its  best  energy  and 
capacity. 

"The  volunteer  system  does  not  do  this.  When  men  choose  them- 
selves they  sometimes  choose  without  due  regard  to  their  other  responsi- 
bilities. Men  may  come  from  the  farms  or  the  mines  or  from  the  fac- 
tories or  centers  of  business  who  oVtght  not  to  come,  but  ought  to  stand 
back  of  the  armies  in  the  field  and  see  that  they  get  everything  that 
they  need  and  that  the  people  of  the  country  are  sustained  in  the  mean- 
while." 

There  was  great  opposition  to  the  passing  of  this  selective  draft 
bill,  but  the  Emergency  AVar  Bill,  which  had,  among  its  provisions  the 
selective  draft  measure,  was  passed  April  18,  1917,  and  immediately 
signed  by  the  President. 

By  this  bill  all  male  citizens  between  the  ages  of  twenty-one  and 
thirty-one  years  were  required  to  register,  June  5  later  being  set  aside 
for  this  purpose.  McHenry  County  men  within  these  ages  obeyed  the 
call,  and  to  their  credit,  be  it  said,  that  they  did  so  cheerfully  and 
promptly,  and  those  appointed  to  look  after  the  slackers  had  little  or 
nothing  to  do,  for  this  county  has  never  shirked  its  duty,  or  failed  to 
respond  to  all  the  calls  the  country  has  made  upon  its  people. 

REGISTRATIONS 

At  the  first  registration  there  were  3,016  men  between  the  ages 
of  twenty-one  and  thirty-one,  who  registered  in  McHenry  County  in 
the  first  draft.  The  quota  for  this  county  was  then  easily  filled.  Com- 
pany G  National  Guard  at  Woodstock,  belonging  to  the  Third  Illinois 
Regiment,  was  increased  on  registration  day  by  enlistment  of  twenty- 
three  men,  making  a  total  in  the  company  of  153,  and  the  required 
number  was  only  150. 

WORLD   WAR   REGISTRARS 

The  following  is  a  list  of  those  who  were  appointed  and  served 
as  registrars  during  the  late  World  war,  in  and  for  McHenry  County, 
and  it  was  under  these  persons  that  the  several  registers  of  the  county 


256  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

were  made  to  determine  the  number  of  available  able  bodied  men  in 
the  county.  These  registrars  were  appointed  by  the  sheriff  and  were 
f i-oni  the  several   townships: 

Riley  Township— R.  W.  Metcalf;  Marengo,  1st,  F.  W.  Benjamin, 
A.  D.  Allison;  2nd,  D.  M.  Wright,  Charles  Scofield ;  Dunham — Homer 
E.  "Whipple;  Chemung — 1st,  Charles  J.  Vierck,  Eugene  Saunders;  2nd, 
Frank  E.  Beck,  Hugh  Houston  Megran ;  3rd,  Edwin  J.  Barr;  Alden — 
E.  L.  Kingsley;  Hartland — W.  H.  Forrest;  Seneca — E.  F.  Kuecker; 
Coral — Charles  H.  Ackman,  Jr.,  and  Clarence  Siems;  Grafton — .John 
Hawley,  F.  R.  Ferris;  Dorr — 1st,  Clftrles  F.  Renich,  G.  W.  Lemmers; 
2nd,  Fred  A.  Walters,  L.  J.  Young;  3rd,  N.  A.'  Sunderlin,  A.  E. 
Schroeder;  4th,  Fred  W.  Hartman;  Greenwood — M.  Dassaw;  Hebron — 
Henry  W.  Turner,  Clifton  H.  Merry;  Richmond— J.  T.  Bower,  G.  W. 
Eldridge;  McHenry— 1st,  J.  C.  Ladd,  R,  B.  Bradley;  2nd,  Ed.  L. 
Hayes,  Albert  H.  Pause;  Nunda — 1st,  James  A.  Nish;  2nd,  Harry  H. 
McCollum,  L.  W.  Cobb;  Algonquin — 1st,  Henry  Keyes,  John  Peter; 
2nd,  Thomas  F.  Leonard,  John  Buehler;  3rd,  T.  H.  Wulff;  Burton— 
V.  S.  Esh,  W.  F.  Pierce. 

ADMINISTERING  THE  OATH  OF  CITIZENSHIP 

Many  years  hence  the  following  item  will  be  read  with  much  in- 
terest, no  doubt,  throwing  light  on  what  was  considei'ed  by  the  courts 
of  today  "good  citizenship."  Judge  Donnelly,  before  administering 
the  oath  to  many  foreign-born,  seeking  citizenship  here,  during  the 
first  part  of  the  World  war,  spoke  to  the  subjects  as  follows ; 

"You  are  about  to  become  citizens  of  the  United  States.  In  taking 
this  step  you  are  assuming  certain  duties  and  obligations  in  return 
for  which  you  will  receive  certain  rights  and  privileges  from  this  gov- 
ernment with  which  you  are  affiliating  yourself.  Our  country  is  now 
at  war  and  it  may  be  that  you  will  be  called  upon  to  sacrifice  your 
lives  if  need  be.  If  you  are  so  called  upon,  I  trust  that  you  will  not 
hesitate  to  respond  willingly. 

"We  have  the  best  government  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  That 
flag  before  you  (pointing  to  the  flag  hanging  in  the  courtroom),  is 
the  emblem  of  freedom.  Ever  respect  it  and  be  ready  to  defend  it. 
If  there  is  any  reason  why  you  cannot  from  now  on  fight  for  that  flag. 
do  not  take  the  solemn  oath  of  allegiance  which  you  are  about  to  take. 
There  is  nothing  in  your  obligation  to  this  government  which  requires 
you  to  forget  the  tender  feelings  von  have  for  your  Fatherland. 


HISTORY  OP  McHBNRY  COUNTY  257 

"It  is  human  for  a  man  to  have  reverence  and  high  regard  for  his 
Fatherland,  and  if  you  did  not  have  that  reverence  in  your  breast,  we 
could  not  expect  that  you  would  have  a  high  regard  for  our  country. 
But  from  now  on  you  will  be  citizens  of  the  United  States  and  it  will 
devolve  upon  you  to  place  the  interests  of  this  country  above  all*  others. 
Your  country's  welfare  means  your  own  welfare,  and  if  need  be,  you 
must  sacrifice  your  property  or  your  life  in  its  defense. 

• '  The  oath  of  allegiance  you  are  about  to  take  is  full  of  significance ; 
listen  attentively  to  every  word  of  it  and  let  its  meaning  make  upon  you 
a  deep  impression." 

EXEMPTION    BOARDS 

The  Exemption  Board  for  McHenry  County  during  this  great  con- 
flict was  as  follows :  Dr.  E.  V.  Anderson,  Woodstock ;  William  Desmond, 
Woodstock;  and  F.  F.  Axtell,  of  Harvard.  These  men  faithfully  per- 
formed their  duty  which  was  no  small  task.  It  took  men  of  sound 
judgment,  decision  of  character,  knowledge  of  human  nature  and 
withal  men  of  undoubted  integrity  and  loyalty  to  from  week  to  week 
and  month  to  month  pass  on  the  hundreds  of  individual  cases  that 
came  before  them  for  adjustment. 

WAR    WORK 

While  men  eligible  for  military  service  were  preparing  to  do  a 
man's  part  in  the  world,  those  who  were  left  behind,  of  both  sexes, 
were  not  idle.  Active  co-operation  was  immediately  accorded  the  Gov- 
ernment in  all  of  the  suggestions  relative  to  food  conservation,  and 
later  fuel  conservation,  as  well  as  the  further  extension  of  cultivated 
lands  then  vacant.  When  the  first  Liberty  Loan  was  floated,  McHenry 
County  people  subscribed  until  "over  the  top,"  and  kept  on  doing  so 
with  each  of  the  successive  loans  till  the  last  loan  was  asked  for  in  the 
spring  of  1919.  This  was  true  in  each  of  all  of  the  war  measures,  the 
Red  Cross,  the  War  Savings  Stamps,  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation and  Knights  of  Columbus  calls,  each  and  all  "went  over  the 
top,"  signifying  of  course,  that  this  county  went  beyond  her  allot- 
ment or  quota  in  these  war  calls  for  funds  and  supplies.  In  round 
numbers  the  amount  of  War  Bonds  subscribed  and  paid  for  by  the 
people  of  McHenry  County  was  $5,180,000. 

Bv  interviewing  the  various  treasurers  and  secretaries  who  had  to 


258  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

do  with  the  collection  of  funds  for  the  various  societies,  the  following 
statement  has  been  compiled : 

Amount  raised  by  the  Red  ( 'ross  Chapters $  76,000 

Amount  raised  for  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association. . .  17,431 

Amount  raised  by  the  Knights  of  Columbus 7 . 7 •"> 7 

Amount  raised  for  Salvation  Army  purposes 4,500 

Amount  raised  in  United  Victory  "Drive" 63,7.'!0 

Grand  total  raised  during  war $    169,424 

First  Liberty  Loan  Bonds  (About) $    200,000 

Second  Liberty  Loan  Bonds 938,760 

Third  Liberty  Loan  Bonds 1,042,950 

Fourth  Liberty  Loan  Bonds 1,665,100 

Fifth  or  "Victory"  Bonds 1,333,200 

Total  amount  sold  in  county $5,180,010 

The  county  over-subscribed  in  this  "drive"  fifty  per  cent  of  her 
quota  as  first  designated  and  this  was  accomplished  without  fuss  or 
excitement.  All  seemed  to  realize  the  emergency  was  great  and  buckled 
on  the  full  armor  and  .went  forth  to  supply  the  demands  of  the  men  at 
the  fighting  front. 

The  total  amount  subscribed  in  McHenry  County  was  $63,079.57, 
according  to  Treasurer  Charles  F.  Renich,  and  Chairman  Hon.  E.  D. 
Shurtleff.  At  first  it  seemed  that  such  an  amount  could  not  be  raised 
after  all  that  had  been  subscribed  in  way  of  Government  War  Bonds, 
but  taking  the  Illinois  slogan  •    "Salute  and  go  to  it,"  all  ended  well. 

Not  all  of  the  towns  in  this  county  did  equally  well,  although  only 
two  out  of  the  seventeen,  Coral  and  Grafton,  failed  to  subscribe  the 
minimum  quota  assigned  to  them.  Richmond  Township  led  with  mure 
than  200  per  cent,  Hartland,  Dorr  and  Dunham  exceeded  150  per  cent. 
while  Seneca,  Algonquin,  Burton,  Riley,  Cary,  Hebron,  Chemung. 
Greenwood,  Alden  and  Nunda  exceeded  their  original  quotas,  some  of 
these  precincts  approaching  well  toward  the  150  per  cent  mark. 

By  townships  the  reports  showed : 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 


259 


Quota  Subscribed 

Hartland  $  1,200  $  1,820.75 

Seneca   1,000  1,262.00 

Algonquin   2,100  2,471.50 

Burton   600  698.50 

Dorr   8,500  13,555.85 

Greenwood    1,000  1,044.25 

McHenry  3,700  7,295.95 

Coral    2,100  1,697.35 

Riley    1,000  1,129.00 

Grafton   2,100  1,936.00 

Marengo    4,500  6,440.40 

Cary  1,500  1,539.00 

Chemung  6,200  7,848.50 

Dunham 1,000  1,502.50 

Hebron 2,100  2,423.75 

Richmond    2,100  4,357.00 

Alden  1,200  1,204.25 

Nunda  and  Crystal  Lake. . .  4,200  4,948.02 

Total $46,000  $63,079.57 

The  Woodstock  Sentinel  in  speaking  of  this  great  "drive"  said:  "Of 
interest  is  the  fact  that  of  the  $63,000  subscribed,  over  $42,000  was 
paid  in  spot  cash.  In  some  towns  almost  the  entire  subscription  was 
made  in  cash,  notably  Cary,  turning  in  $1,514  in  cash,  leaving  only  $25 
unpaid,  while  Burton  Township  had  only  $8.00  remaining  unpaid. 
At  Algonquin  only  $225  remained  outstanding,  and  in  Coral  the  chair- 
man turned  in  all  in  cash  except  $133.  Huntley  turned  in  all  cash  but 
$150.  In  Dorr,  including  Woodstock,  the  amount  of  cash  turned  in  at 
first  was  about  one-half  of  the  large  sum  of  $13,555.85,  but  daily  there- 
after the  outstanding  amounts  kept  coming  into  the  various  banks  of 
the  city." 

Treasurer  Renich's  report  shows  that  the  "Victory  Boys  and  Girls" 
in  McHenry  County  subscribed  $8,305.95 — a  remarkable  contribution 
from  such  a  source  as  that. 

CASUALTIES 


If  the  heartfelt  wish  of  all  the  loyal  people  of  the  county  could  ma- 
terialize, there  would  be  no  names  written  beneath  this  caption  by  the 


260  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY     * 

mosl  relentless  of  all  historians,  Time,  hut  as  no  really  great  reform 
was  ever  effected  without  heavy  sacrifice,  so  do  the  people  of  McHenry 
County  have  to  pay  their  quota  for  patriotism,  and  in  recording  the 

names  of  the  hemes  who  lived  up  to  the  highest  conception  of  Ameri- 
can manhood,  in  the  midst  of  their  tears,  they  must  also  rejoice  that 
when  the  need  arose,  there  was  no  lack  of  hrave  young  soldiers  to  carry 
the  American  flag;  and  principles  to  victory.  The  gold  stars  in  Mc- 
Henry County's  "service  flag"  are  set  in  the  subjoined  Roll  of  Honor: 

ROLL     OF     HONOR 

The  subjoined  is  a  list  of  the  honored  dead  from  McHenry  County, 
who  made  the  "supreme  sacrifice"  in  the  late  World  War,  while  march- 
ing- and  fighting  in  the  trenches,  midst  shot,  shell  and  deadly  gas: 

Alexander  P.  C.  Rassmussen,  Arthur  Dollman,  Ernst  Kalbow,  Walter 
Lind,  Arthur  Duuker,  Fred  Boyle,  W.  J.  Henshaw,  Arthur  J.  Shultz, 
Horace  Bratzman,  Herman  Steinke,  William  J.  Metzen,  Claude  Mc- 
Comb,  Geo.  F.  Raltzlaff,  August  Klaman,  Ray  A.  Howard,  John  Janow- 
ski,  Maurice  Blake,  Ed  Killeen,  Paul  Gehrke,  Carl  J.  Dittman,  Clark 
Hall,  Henry  F.  Miller,  Frank  Helwig-,  A.  C.  Graupner,  Eugene  P. 
Griebel,  Ralph  P.  Wells,  Peter  Umathum,  Carl  H.  Bartelt,  William 
Ward,  William  C.  Peterson,  Victor  E.  Peterson,  Harold  Beebe,  John 
Farrell,  Richard  Japp,  Eugene  Drill,  Frank  Wien,  Paul  C.  Hoffman, 
Henry  Stevenson,  Edward  Tonyan,  George  Schreiner,  Jack  Mitchell,* 
Charles  Geske,  Joseph  Meyers,  Robert  Martin,  Ernest  W.  Blank,  Harry 
G.  Fulton,  Albert  Moritz,  Bert  Randau,  Walter  W.  Pederson,  Harry 
L.  Carlson,  David  Brown,  Chas.  Bartumis,  Gus  Swanson,  Burdett  A. 
Briggs,  Roy  H.  Randel,  Phil  J.  Anderson,  Charles  Knutson. 

SOLDIER'S   HOME-COMING   WEEK 

While  the  Armistice  was  signed  in  November,  1018.  the  McHenry 
County  soldiers  did  not  return  to  their  homes  until  the  first  week  in 
June,  1919,  and  a  public  "Welcome"  or  reception  was  tendered  them 
in  Woodstock  for  the  whole  county,  at  first,  and  later  Harvard,  Ma- 
rengo and  Algonquin  received  the  men  who  went  from  their  precincts. 
The  big  celebration,  however,  was  naturally  the  first  one,  as  it  was  held 
at  the  county  seat  from  which  the  men  had  enlisted  or  been  called  to 
service.  The  day,  June  10,  1919,  will  long  be  a  red-letter  day  in  the 
minds  of  those  residing  in  McHenry  County  at  that  time,  whether  sol- 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  261 

dier  or  civilian.  The  glad  and  alas  the  sad  scenes  at  the  home-coming 
of  the  men  from  Camp  Grant,  at  Rockford,  from  which  point  the  Mr- 
Henry  County  men  were  transported  by  from  fifty  to  sixty  automobiles, 
just  at  the  close  of  a  hot  day.  Upon  arriving  at  the  city  park  thou- 
sands of  "fathers  and  mothers,  lovers  and  friends"  were  waiting  there 
to  meet  them  for  the  first  time  since  going  "overseas."  An  hour  was 
passed  in  smiles  and  tears  and  tears  and  smiles.  Joy  reigned  supreme 
about  the  park  that  June  evening,  save  for  the  relatives  and  friends 
of  the  fifty-seven  men  who  in  the  prime  of  their  young  manhood  had 
died  in  France. 

Between  15,000  and  20,000  people  gathered  in  and  around  the  park 
in  Woodstock  that  perfect  day  in  June  to  welcome  the  soldiers  home. 
The  city  had  spent  many  thousands  of  dollars  during  the  two  weeks 
preparation  made  in  decorating  every  business  place  in  the  city  and 
hundreds  of  residences  were  displaying  the  colors.  A  triumphal  Arch 
spanned  the  street  at  the  north  entrance  of  the  park,  enroute  from  the 
depot,  with  the  words  "Welcome  Home"  in  brilliant  colors  across  the 
face  of  the  archway.  At  night,  it  was  lighted  by  electric  bulbs,  pre- 
senting a  most  beautiful  sight. 

The  soldiers,  to  the  number  of  about  700,  marched  in  uniforms  to 
band  music  to  various  parts  of  the  city  where  lodges  and  societies  galore 
were  there  to  welcome  them.  The  soldiers  had  the  keys  to  Woodstock, 
as  they  did  later  at  Harvard  and  other  places  in  McHenry  County. 
They  all  acquitted  themselves  manfully.  Each  one  was  provided  with 
a  carnation  at  the  Armory  in  the  morning  as  they  marched.  The  va- 
rious churches  and  societies  furnished  the  soldiers  with  all  they  could 
eat  and  smoke  that  day  and  night.  A  street  dance  was  on  during  the 
evening.  The  brick  pavement  had  been  nicely  coated  witli  paraffine 
and  hundreds  danced  in  front  of  the  city  building  till  a  late  hour. 

A  solemn  service  was  held  at  the  southeast  corner  of  the  park  where 
there  had  been  constructed  a  miniature  "Flanders  Field,"  with  fifty- 
seven  white  crosses  in  rows  and  between  them  were  poppies.  The  num- 
ber fifty-seven  indicated  the  gold  stars  on  the  Roll  of  Honor  which  stood 
near  by. 

In  Flanders  fields,  the  poppies  grow 
Between  the  crosses,  row  on  row. 
That  mark  our  place ;  and  in  the  sky 
The  larks,  still  bravely  singing,  fly, 
Since   heard   amid   the    guns   below. 


262  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

We  are  the  dead.     Short  days  ago 
We  lived,  felt  dawn,  saw  sunset  glow, 
Loved  and  were  loved ;  but  now  we  lie 
In  Flanders  fields. 

Take  up  our  quarrel  with  the  foe! 
To  you,  from  failing  hands,  we  throw 
The  torch — Be  yours  to  bear  it  high ! 
If  ye  break  faith  with  us  who  die 
We  shall  not  sleep,  though  puppies  blow- 
In  Flanders  field. 

Eloquent  remarks  were  made  by  both  Father  Conway  of  the  Cath- 
olic church  of  Woodstock  and  a  returned  Y.  M.  C.  A.  worker.  Rev. 
Kilbourne.  Few  if  any  more  impressive  scenes  were  ever  noted  in  any 
community  than  those  of  that  Home-Coming  Day. 

The  seventeen  remaining  members  of  the  Grand  Army  Post  of 
Woodstock  with  many  Spanish-American  soldiers,  were  present  at  the 
reviewing  stand.  These  represented  three  great  conflicts,  all  wars  waged 
for  right  and  justice,  and  in  defense  of  the  country's  honor. 

Not  only  did  McHenry  County  and  Woodstock  "go  over  the  top" 
in  all  of  its  Liberty  and  Victory  Loan  undertakings,  but  in  this  Home- 
Coming  affair  the  subscriptions  amounted  to  about  $1,100  more  than 
was  expended  for  giving  the  returning  soldiers  a  hearty  welcome.  This 
additional  amount  was  used  to  "Welcome"  home  the  remainder  of 
the  men  later  on. 

CHAIRMEN'    OP   "HOME-COMING"    COMMITTEES 

No  event  in  the  county  ever  had  the  large  number  of  committee- 
men and  all  were  active  factors  in  bringing  about  the  complete  success 
which  crowned  this  long-to-be-remembered  event.  In  all  there  were 
thirty  committees  and  in  this  connection  it  is  only  practical  to  give  the 
names  of  their  chairmen. 

Executive  Committee — F.  J.  Green;  Finance  Committee,  F.  A. 
Walters;  Memorial  Committee — G.  E.  Still;  Publicity  Committee — 
A.  H.  Mosher;  Pavement  Dance  Committee — Lester  Fish  and  Howard 
Conn,  supervisors ;  Decoration  Committee — 0.  G.  Mead,  to  erect  Vic- 
tory Arch — A.  M.  Clark;  Armory  Decorations — T.  B.  Owens;  Deco- 
rating Residences — D.  G.  Olmstead ;  To  Welcome  Soldiers — George  Eck- 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  263 

ert;  Woman's  Relief  Corps — Mrs.  H.  L.  Eddy;  To  Welcome  Soldiers 
at  Camp  Grant — B.  C.  Young;  To  Welcome  Soldiers  in  New  York 
City — W.  T.  Charles;  Registration  Committee — Henry  G.  Fisher;  Em- 
ployment Committee — John  Whitworth ;  Reception  Committee — Judge 
Donnelly;  Parade  Review  Committee — F.  J.  Green;  Receiving  Visitors 
— G.  W.  Lemmers;  Inviting  Neighboring  Cities — J.  P.  Alt;  For  Wid- 
owed Mothers — A.  J.  Deitz;  Community  War  Service — Mrs.  Mary 
Shipton ;  Parade  Committee — R.  W.  Bardwell ;  To  Build  Review  Stand 
— G.  F.  Knaack;  First  Aid  Red  Cross — Dr.  W.  Freeman;  Music  Com- 
mittee— W.  F.  Weldon;  Booths  Committee — E.  F.  Meyer;  Cafeteria 
Lunch — E.  A.  Judd;  Ladies'  Aid  Executive — Mrs.  George  W.  Field; 
Committee  Dinner  Arrangements — Mrs.  E.  C.  Thomas;  Assistant  Wom- 
en's Committee — J.  C.  Miller. 

These  various  chairmen  had  under  them  371  persons,  all  fitting  in 
where  they  were  most  efficient  in  the  matter  of  properly  "Welcoming 
Home"  the  returned  soldiery  of  McHenry  County,  June  10,  1919. 

WOODSTOCK    NATIONAL    GUARDS 

Woodstock  has  been  the  headquarters  of  a  company  of  National 
Guards  since  early  in  1880,  when  so  many  of  the  Illinois  National  Guard 
companies  were  organized  under  the  State  Military  Department.  Com- 
pany G,  Third  Infantry,  was  organized  at  that  date.  Fifty-three  young 
men  were  mustered  into  service  in  the  courthouse,  on  February  24, 
1880,  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Frank  Noble,  who  had  been  detailed  for 
that  purpose.  The  company  commenced  drilling  at  old  Phoenix  Hall 
and  used  the  same  for  an  armory  for  about  one  year.  March  1,  1888, 
they  moved  into  the  old  Universalist  Church.  They  were  provided 
with  old  muzzle-loading  Springfield  muskets,  caliber  fifty,  which  they 
used  until  the  summer  of  1882,  when  they  were  furnished  with  the 
new  breech-loading  Springfield  rifles,  caliber  forty-five,  direct  from 
the  United  States  Arsenal  at  Rock  Island,  Illinois,  at  the  expense  of 
the  state  with  new  accoutrements  to  correspond.  A  small  supply  of 
metallic  cartridges  was  furnished  by  the  State  and  kept  constantly  'on 
hand.  Fatigue  uniforms  were  also  soon  furnished  for  non-commis- 
sioned officers  and  privates.  Commissioned  officers  furnished  their 
own  uniforms.  The  members  of  the  company  were  each  furnished  with 
a  full-dress  uniform  at  their  own  expense.  The  citizens  of  Woodstock 
presented  the  company  with  a  fine  silk  flag  in  1882.  They  attended 
the  encampment  at   Rockford  in   1880;  at  Aurora  in  1882;   at  Lake 


264  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Geneva,  Wis.,  in  1883;  at  Rockford  in  1884,  and  many  later  encamp- 
ments. They  were  called  to  do  duty  at  various  times  and  places  within 
Illinois  as  the  years  went  by,  aiding  in  putting  down  strikes  and  riots. 

They  entered  many  contests,  the  first  being  in  a  prize  drill  at  the 
McHenry  County  Fair  in  the  autumn  of  188.'i.  taking  third  money. 

When  the  Spanish-American  war  broke  out  the  National  Guards 
were  called  to  arms,  and  gladly  tendered  their  services,  and  went  wher- 
ever ordered,  as  is  shown  in  the  "Military  History  of  the  State." 
They  were  mustered  in  May  7,  1898,  and  mustered  out  at  Joliet.  No- 
vember 3,  1898.  From  that  time  on  until  the  late  World  War  this 
company  of  Guards  kept  intact  until  President  Wilson,  through  Act 
of  Congress  declared  a  state  of  war  existed  between  this  country  and 
Germany,  when  the  full  strength  of  the  National  Guard  system  was 
thrust  into  that  terrible  conflict.  Other  parts  of  this  chapter  tell  the 
later  story  of  how  well  and  nobly  this  company  and  regiment  performed 
their  duty. 

It  should  be  stated  in  passing,  that  the  original  guard  company 
here  was  organized  through  the  efforts  of  Prof.  A.  E.  Bourne,  then 
principal  in  the  High  Schools  of  Woodstock.  He  was  elected  its  first 
captain,  served  several  years  and  was  succeeded  by  George  Eckert, 
Charles  H.  Donnelly,  and  John  H.  Higgins.  The  latter  resigned,  and 
in  1893,  W.  C.  Eicherberger  was  elected  captain  in  his  place.  In  1901, 
he  resigned  when  George  W.  Field  was  made  captain  of  the  company. 
They  served  in  the  Spanish-American  war  under  Gen.  Fred  Grant, 
in  Porto  Rico. 

For  manj-  years  a  frame  armory  which  stood  on  the  south  side  of 
Calhoun  street,  near  Jefferson  street  was  leased  by  the  State  for  the 
use  of  this  company,  but  it  was  finally  burned  and  for  a  few  years  the 
Guard  was  without  a  home,  but  in  about  1913  a  brick  Arniory  building 
was  built  by  the  State,  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  city,  and  so  planned 
that  additions  could  easily  be  made  to  the  original  structure  which 
was  effected  in  1915-16. 

GRAND    ARMY    OF    THE    REPUBLIC 

Not  long  after  the  close  of  the  Civil  War,  Dr.  B.  F.  Stephenson, 
who  had  been  a  surgeon  in  a  volunteer  regiment,  suggested  an  organiza- 
tion of  Union  veterans  into  a  national  association  for  mutual  assistance. 
Through  his  efforts  the  first  post  was  established  at  Decatur,  111.,  April 
6,  1866,  and  it  was  not  long  before  the  national  organization  was  com- 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  265 

pleted,  Gen.  John  A.  Logan  being  one  of  the  most  enthusiastic  advo- 
cates of  it.  The  first  commander-in-chief  was  Stephen  A.  Hurlbnrt, 
elected  in  1866,  and  General  Logan  was  elected  in  1868.  The  com- 
mander-in-chief for  1921-22  is  Lewis  S.  Pilcher,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

The  history  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  in  McHenry  County 
is  as  follows : 

Harley  Wayne  Post,  No.  169  at  Marengo  was  organized  December 
29,  1882,  by  T.  G.  Lawler,  Department  Commander.  Its  charter  members 
were:  I.  W.  Green,  R.  Miller,  C.  L.  Strickland,  C.  A.  White,  J.  Casley, 
W.  H.  Sanders,  B.  Parker,  J.  B.  Babcock,  J.  Q.  Adams,  D.  A.  Stedman, 
S.  Rowland,  A.  J.  Boyington,  A.  London,  W.  A.  Mallory,  ('.  W.  Mallory, 
Henry  Fillmore,  John  Kennedy,  W.  C.  Sullivan.  This  post  was  named 
in  honor  of  Capt.  Harley  Wayne,  killed  at  the  battle  of  Shiloh. 

At  one  time  the  Marengo  Post  had  150  names  enrolled,  but  it  has  now 
decreased  to  eighteen  of  those  who  once  were  the  loyal  blue  and  fought 
to  preserve  the  Union  of  States.  The  first  officers  of  this  post  were : 
Ira  S.  Curtiss,  Commander;  John  Kennedy,  Senior  Vice  Commander; 
E.  S.  Parker,  Junior  Vice  Commander;  W.  H.  Sanders,  Quartermaster; 
I.  W.  Green,  Surgeon;  I.  B.  Babcock,  Chaplain;  D.  A.  Stedman,  Officer 
of  the  Day ;  A.  J.  Boyington,  Officer  of  the  Guard ;  and  G.  L.  Strickland, 
Adjutant. 

The  present  officers  are:  F.  S.  Loomis,  Commander;  G.  C.  Clark, 
Senior  Vice  Commander;  A.  Schwager,  Junior  Vice  Commander;  F. 
J.  Pray,  Chaplain;  W.  C.  Sullivan,  Adjutant;  W.  H.  Havens,  Officer 
of  the  Day ;  John  Backes,  Officer  of  the  Guard. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  past  Commanders  and  adju- 
tants: Commanders:  Ira  R.  Curtiss,  J.  B.  Babcock,  A.  J.  Boyington, 
E.  R.  Morris,  J.  W.  Green,  W.  C.  Sullivan,  Joseph  Schneider,  John 
Kennedy,  W.  W.  Ocock,  F.  S.  Loomis.  The  Adjutants  have  been :  C.  L. 
Strickland,  A.  J.  Boyington,  W.  C.  Sullivan,  A.  L.  London,  C.  G.  Teeple, 
John  Kennedy,  Ira  S.  Curtiss. 

J.  B.  Manzer  Post  No.  215,  was  organized  at  Harvard,  April  7,  1883, 
with  the  followin<r  charter  members :  Joseph  La  Brec,  John  Forby, 
Edwin  Rector,  J.  W.  Groesbeck,  C.  W.  Onthank,  James  White,  R.  J. 
Whittleson,  R.  Wheeler,  Samuel  Cole,  H.  W.  Grovenstein,  Wm.  Hollister, 
J.  W.  Seaverns,  N.  B.  Burtch,  Edward  Hancock,  Burt  Adderman,  W.  H. 
Gillis,  Thomas  Welch,  D.  E.  Pixley,  W.  T.  Hill,  George  King,  Willard 
J.  Scott,  H.  H.  Paynter  and  H.  T.  Woodruff.  The  last  named  was 
selected  Commander  of  the  original  post. 

The  present  membership  of  this  post  is  twenty-five.    A  very  successful 


'266  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Woman's  Relief  Corps  of  118  members  is  a  valuable  aid  to  this  post. 

The  present  officers  of  this  post  include  these :  S.  M.  Butts,  Com- 
mander; E.  Y.  Phelps,  Senior  Vice-commander ;  S.  Cole,  Junior  Vice- 
commander;  W.  J.  Fox,  Adjutant;  J.  L.  Anderson,  Quartermaster;  J. 
W.  Groesbeck,  Surgeon;  W.  Perrell,  Officer  of  Day;  and  H.  W.  Butts, 
Officer  of  the  Guard. 

Woodstock  Post  No.  108,  was  organized  August  24,  1881,  With  the 
following-  list  of  members,  all  being  honored  and  honorably  discharged 
Civil-War  veterans:  E.  E.  Richards,  A.  F.  McGee,  I.  R.  Curtiss,  Allen 
Giles,  L.  H.  Jones,  W.  H.  Cowlin,  G.  S.  Southworth,  E.  W.  Blossom, 
George  Eckert,  A.  W.  Anderson,  M.  L.  Joslyn,  James  Dufield,  L.  D. 
Kelly,  Asbad  Udell,  William  Avery,  J.  Q.  Adams,  F.  W.  Smith,  D.  A. 
Stedman,  W.  H.  Sanders,  M.  M.  Clothier,  W.  H.  Sherman,  Joseph  Hill, 
James  Nish,  W.  V.  Walker,  J.  W.  Green,  Amos  Boyington,  L.  P.  Carver, 
John  Kennedy,  W.  H.  Stewart,  S.  Vail  Curan,  L.  H.  S.  Barrows.  The 
first  commander  was  William  Avery;  Senior  Vice-Commander — L.  D. 
Kelly;  E.  E.  Richards,  Adjutant.  During  the  year  of  organization  this 
post  had  more  than  one  hundred  names  enrolled.  Now  there  are  but 
fifteen  members. 

George  Eckert  is  the  present  Commander;  and  A.  S.  Wright  is  the 
present  Adjutant. 

Nunda  Post  No.  226,  was  organized  at  the  old  village  of  Nunda,  now 
Crystal  Lake,  April  21,  1883,  with  charter  members  as  follows :  John 
E.  Beckley,  William  H.  Huffman,  J.  J.  Adams,  L.  E.  Warner,  D.  B. 
Warner,  N.  M.  Paine,  William  St.  Clair,  William  Shales,  M.  F.  Ells- 
worth, H.  W.  Beardsley,  I.  N.  Powell,  M.  Battershall,  Charles  Wilson, 
C.  C.  Pettibone,  J.  H.  Cox,  Frank  Grimes,  L.  McGee,  J.  M.  Mallory, 
Henry  Keys,  John  H.  Paddock,  L.  Beckley,  M.  F.  Richards,  W.  P. 
Morse,  William  Butler. 

The  first  Commander  was  W.  H.  Huffman;  first  Adjutant,  J.  M. 
Mallory.  In  1884  this  Post  had  a  membership  of  fifty  and  at  one  date, 
it  was  still  larger.  Today  there  are  only  eight  enrolled  members,  and 
J.  II.  Shuler,  Quartermaster,  is  the  only  one  now  residing  at  Crystal 
Lake. 

WOMAN'S  RELIEF  CORPS 

Harley  Wayne  Relief  Corps  No.  52.  auxiliary  to  Grand  Army 
Post  No.  169  at  Marengo,  was  organized  June  19,  1886,  by  Julie  G.  Sine. 
The  subjoined  is  a  list  of  charter  members:    Louisa  Green,  Emilv  Sted- 


J^ovitML  t  TpZ ,  Jy<zA-^Z^ 


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HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  267 

man,  Minnie  Dietz,  Bertha  Robbins,  L.  R.  Tyler,  Margaret  Galloway, 
Nancy  Scougall,  Mary  Ward,  Jennie  Strickland,  Mary  Henry,  Mary 
Belden,  Elinira  Griffin,  Jennie  Chandler,  Polly  Tyler,  Mary  Ford,  Hattie 
Southern,  Minerva  Ryder,  Sarah  Morris,  Lou  London,  Nancy  Betts, 
Ursula  Hewitt,  Josephine  Curtiss,  Hulda  Lewis,  Maggie  Ford,  Harriet 
Hart,  Caroline  Spragg,  L.  Colwell,  Jane  Metcalf,  Delia  Buck,  Emma 
Miller,  Sylvia  Lewis,  Lenora  Nickerson,  Lucy  Carver,  Amy  Hendrickson, 
Hattie  Loomis,  Harriet  Bailey,  Jane  Swager,  Mabel  Griffin,  Richard 
Harris,  Louisa  Randall,  Emma  Patrick,  Hannah  Miller,  Sadie  Dimon, 
Carrie  Broughton,  Anna  Kennedy,  Maria  Mclntyre. 

The  first  officers  were  as  follows :  Louisa  Green,  President ;  Minervia 
Ryder,  Senior  Vice  President ;  Emily  Stedman,  Jr.  Vice  President ; 
Sarah  Morris,  Secretary;  Lucy  Carver,  Treasurer;  Minnie  Dietz,  Chap- 
lain; Lou  London,  Conductor;  Amy  Hendrickson,  Assistant  Conductor; 
Bertha  Robbins,  Guard ;  Nancy  Betts,  Assistant  Guard.  The  following 
have  served  as  presidents  of  the  Corps :  Louisa  Green,  Minervia  Ryder, 
Sarah  Moms,  Anna  Patrick,  Mary  Belden,  Hattie  Bailey,  Hattie  Loomis, 
Anna  Bushaw,  Ella  Rowland,  Lillie  Pringle,  Ada  Wegite,  Mary  Johnson, 
Hattie  Read,  Kate  Wilson.  The  membership  is  fifty -two.  Its  officers  are :. 
Kate  Wilson,  President;  Martha  Rose,  Senior  Vice  President;  Jessie 
Jobe,  Junior  Vice  President ;  Emma  Worf ,  Secretary ;  Gertrude  Kennedy, 
Treasurer. 

AMERICAN   LEGION 

The  American  Legion  was  organized  during  a  convention  at  St.  Louis, 
Missouri,  May  8-10,  1919,  and  a  regular  convention  was  held  at  Minne- 
apolis, Minn.,  November  10-12,  1919,  when  national  officers  were  elected 
and  the  organization  completed.  All  who  were  in  the  military,  naval  or 
marine  service  during  the  World  War,  between  April  6,  1917,  and  Novem- 
ber 11,  1918,  are  eligible  to  membership.  The  Legion  was  incorporated  by 
an  Act  of  Congress  approved  September  16,  1919. 

The  Legion  is  represented  in  MeHenry  County  by  the  following 
posts : 

Peter  Umathum  Post  No.  412,  Woodstock,  was  organized  in  August, 
1919,  and  has  a  membership  of  207.  The  commander  for  1921  is  D.  R. 
Joslyn,  Junior,  and  the  other  officers  are :  Warren  Fish,  vice  commander ; 
Glenn  Shales,  adjutant;  Raymond  Woods,  chaplain;  Cy  Sanford,  ser- 
geant-at-arms;  Walter  Conway,  finance  officer;  and  George  More,  his- 
torian.    In  March,  1021,  this  post  won  the  second  prize  of  $90  offered 


268  HISTORY  OP  McHEXRY  COUNTY 

by  the  Chicago  Evening  Journal  in  the  membership  campaign,  and  was 
given  a  banquet  at  the  Hotel  La  Salle.  Chicago.  The  money  was  used  in 
purchasing  the  post  "colors."  The  post  has  lost  by  death  Simon  Febber 
and  Adelbert  Sullivan. 

The  post  at  Algonquin  was  organized  duly  27,  1920,  and  has  a  mem- 
bership of  thirty-five.  The  officers  for  1921  are  as  follows:  John  R. 
Heidihger,  commander;  Benjamin  Pflaum,  vice  commander;  Joseph  J. 
Pitzeck,  adjutant;  Clarence  Ehel,  chaplain;  Edward  Janak,  sergeant-at- 
arms;  Arnold  Duensing,  finance  officer;  and  William  J.  O'Connor,  his- 
torian. 

The  Crystal  Lake  Post  was  organized  in  December,  1919,  and  has  a 
membership  of  sixty-six.  The  present  officers  are :  Harry  D.  Hull,  com- 
mander; Walter  McCollum,  adjutant;  Warren  Swenson,  chaplain;  Fred 
Morgan,  sergeant-at-arms ;  and  Elton  Huffman,  finance  officer. 

The  William  J.  Metzen  Post  No.  265,  of  Harvard,  was  organized  in 
September,  1919,  with  a  membership  of  130.  The  officers  for  192]  are: 
James  J.  McCauley,  commander;  Thomas  King,  vice  commander;  George 
Brown,  adjutant;  Reverend  Newham.  chaplain;  Lester  Peacock,  sergeant- 
at-arms;  James  Davidson,  finance  officer.  The  following  members  have 
died:  Clev  Thompson,  Daniel  Harden  and  Ernest  Kelljstrom.  This 
post  has  held  military  funerals  for  the  following  returned  overseas 
bodies:    Edward  Kileen,  George  Ratzloff  and  Raymond  Howard. 

The  post  at  Hebron  was  organized  August  1,  1920,  and  has  a  mem- 
bership of  thirty-three.  The  officers  for  1921  are:  Clarence  Judson, 
commander;  Herman  Peterson,  vice  commander;  Miles  Koblentz.  ad- 
jutant; Charles  Bailey,  chaplain;  Clarence  Grabbert,  sergeant-at-arms; 
and  Clyde  Arp,  finance  officer. 

The  Huntley  Post  No.  673  was  organized  in  August,  1920,  with  a  mem- 
bership of  thirty-five.  The  officers  for  1921  are  as  follows:  Dr.  Oliver 
I.  Statler,  commander;  William  Amos,  vice  commander;  Clyde  Clanton, 
adjutant ;  Edwin  Hener,  sergeant-at-arms;  and  William  Bartlett,  finance 
officer. 

Paul  C.  Hoffman  Post  No.  253,  of  Richmond,  made  application  for  a 
charter  in  November,  1919.  It  has  a  membership  of  fifty-three.  The 
officers  for  1921  are:  Richard  G.  Richardson,  commander;  Ernest 
Snyder,  vice  commander;  Charles  Golden,  adjutant;  Dr.  Foster,  chap- 
lain; Floyd  Perkins,  sergeant-at-arms ;  Hugh  Howden,  historian;  Dr. 
John  Ducey,  finance  officer. 

McHenry  Post  No.  491,  was  organized  January  22,  1920.  It  now  has 
a  membership  of  seventy.     The  officers  for  1921   include  Alfred   H. 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  269 

Pouse,  commander;  Charles  J.  Reihansperger,  adjutant;  and  Gerald  J. 
Casey,  finance  officer. 

Kiswaukee  Post  No.  192,  at  Marengo,  was  organized  September  24. 
1919.  It  now  has  a  membership  of  seventy-nine.  The  officers  for  1921 
include  Harry  C.  Patrick,  commander;  Carlton  S.  Robb,  adjutant;  and 
B.  P.  Duzenberry,  finance  officer. 


CHAPTER  XVII 
DAYS  OP  MOURNING 

DEATH   OP  ABRAHAM   LINCOLN DEATH   OF    JAMES   ABRAM    GARFIELD DEATH 

OF  U.   S.   GRANT DEATH   OF  PRESIDENT   WILLIAM    MC    KINLEY. 

Every  country  has  its  days  of  bereavement  and  deep  sorrow  over 
the  death  of  some  great  ruler,  friend  or  benefactor.  In  a  kingdom, 
when  the  king  dies,  great  is  the  mourning.  In  a  republic,  when  a  presi- 
dent dies,  even  greater  is  the  sorrow,  for  being  of  a  democratic  govern- 
ment, the  feeling  is  much  closer  between  the  head  of  the  government  and 
the  common  people,  who  have  chosen  such  person  to  rule  for  them. 

The  United  States  has  been  called  upon  to  mourn  at  the  fall  of  three 
of  their  greatest  presidents,  Lincoln,  Garfield  and  McKinley.  On  the 
occasion  of  each  one  of  these  sad  blows  the  loyal  men  and  women  of 
every  section  of  the  land  have  congregated  at  a  set  time  and  place,  to 
publicly  show  their  deep  sorrow  for  their  departed  dead. 

THE  DEATH  OF  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN 

President  Lincoln  had  just  guided  the  ship  of  State  through  an  awful 
civil  conflict,  when  he  was  suddenly  shot  down  by  the  hand  of  an 
assassin.  As  most  of  the  able-bodied  men  from  McHenry  County  were 
at  that  time  in  the  Union  army,  the  war  having  just  ended  the  week  in 
which  Mr.  Lincoln  was  killed,  there  was  no  large  turnout  at  a  set  day 
of  mourning.  The  churches  did,  however,  all  have  memorial  sermons.  The 
editor  of  the  Woodstock  Sentinel,  Abraham  E.  Smith,  in  his  issue  of 
April  26,  1865,  the  week  after  the  assassination,  wrote  an  editorial  which 
has  never  been  heralded  abroad  like  other  gems  of  oratory  and  eloquence, 
because  of  its  appearance  in  so  small  a  town  and  a  paper,  but  indeed 
those  who  have  read  it,  see  new  beauty  in  it  as  the  years  roll  by.  It 
shall,  therefore,  find  a  place  in  the  annals  of  this  county. 

"Abler  pens  than  ours  have  written  eulogies  and  touching  tributes 
to  the  worth  of  the  dead  statesman  whose  loss  the  nation  now  deplores. 
We  shall  not  attempt  it.    The  genial  kindness  of  his  nature,  the  marvel- 

270 


history  of  Mchenry  county  271 

ous  aeuteness  of  his  intellect,  his  plain,  simple,  and  yet  apt  manner  of 
addressing  himself  to  the  people,  his  wonderful  sagacity  and  practical 
common  sense,  the  versatility  of  his  genius — and  above  all,  the  never 
failing  amiability  of  the  man;  are  all  written  on  memory's  page,  seared 
in  by  the  fearful  death  he  died,  and  will  never  be  erased  from  the  hearts 
of  American  citizens  while  liberty  is  enjoyed. 

"Personally,  Abraham  Lincoln  had  no  enemies.  He  died  through  no 
personal  malice.  He  fell  because  he  represented  his  country,  as  no  other 
man  ever  did.  He  died  a  martyr  on  the  altar  of  liberty — of  his  country's 
unity  and  glory !  Let  us  then  do  honor  to  his  name.  In  honoring  him, 
we  honor  ourselves.  In  him  were  the  virtues  of  the  American  Nation 
combined.  Peace  to  his  ashes!  Honor  to  his  memory.  With  him  life's 
fitful  fever  is  over;  and  what  an  eventful  life  he  lived.  Thousands  upon 
thousands  yet  unborn  will  hail  him  as  their  Father  and  Liberator.  Fare- 
well, noble  Lincoln.  Good  Night  to  thy  form,  but  Good  Morn  to  thy 
Fame!" 

It  should  be  remembered  that  this  was  penned  on  the  spur  of  the 
moment,  "press-day"  in  Woodstock  fifty-four  years  ago.  And  still  the 
name  LINCOLN  stands  out  among  the  untarnished  stars  of  the  American 
Republic. 

In  common  with  other  parts  of  the  country,  houses  were  draped  in 
appropriate  emblems  of  mourning  in  Woodstock  and  other  towns  of  this 
county.  All  places  surrounding  the  public  square  were  tastily  draped 
and  decorated  by  tender  and  skilful  hands. 

The  local  paper  had  a  notice  inviting  all  who  could  to  join  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  attend  the  great  funeral  gathering  which  was  held  in 
Chicago,  where  but  little  more  than  five  years  before,  he  had  been  nomi- 
nated in  the  "Wigwam"  as  the  standard-bearer  of  the  then  new  Repub- 
lican party.  Many  responded  to  this  call.  This  was  McHenry  County's 
first  public  mourning  day. 

DEATH  OP  JAMES  ABRAM  GARFIELD 

Iii  sixteen  years  after  Lincoln  fell,  the  people  of  this  county  wore  the 
emblems  of  mourning  again,  this  time,  for  President  Garfield,  who  was 
elected  in  the  autumn  of  1880.  In  July,  1881,  he  was  shot  in  the  back, 
while  walking  arm-in-arm  with  James  G.  Blaine,  in  the  Potomac  depot  at 
Washington,  while  waiting  for  a  train.  The  beloved  president  lingered 
on,  a  great  sufferer,  until  in  September  of  that  year,  when  he  passed 
from  earth's  shining  circle,  and  this  was  another  stinging  blow  to  the 


272  HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 

loyal  hearts  of  all  American  people.     President  Lincoln  had  been  killed 

in  heat  (if  war  days,  hut  President  Garfield  was  cut  down  ill  the  <lays  of 
supreme  national  peace. 

I  'pun  the  news  being  flashed  that  "Garfield  was  dead."  Mayor  Joslyn, 
of  Woodstock,  made  a  proclamation  which  was,  in  common  with  all  cities 
and  hamlets  from  ocean  to  ocean,  obeyed  to  the  letter.  On  the  day  of 
the  great  soldier-statesman's  burial  at  Cleveland.  Ohio,  memorial  serv- 
ices were  held  in  the  Woodstock  Park  at  the  afternoon  hours — two  to 
four.  All  business  houses  were  closed  from  noon  for  the  remainder  of 
that  day.  There  had  been  appropriate  staging,  platform  and  seats 
placed  in  the  center  of  the  park.  At  the  four  entrances  to  the  enclosure 
of  the  park  were  seen  arches  mounted  by  drapery  and  a  portrait  of  the 
dead  executive.  Long  before  the  hour  for  the  exercises,  the  park  was 
filled  with  sorrowing  people  from  town  and  country,  to  pay  homage  to 
the  great  departed  one.  Shortly  after  two  o'clock  the  Guards  appeared 
at  the  square,  marching  to  muffled  drum  and  reversed  arms,  the  left  arm 
of  each  soldier  bearing  the  badge  of  mourning.  The  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic  soon  left  their  hall  and  when  these  military  organizations 
passed  to  the  stand,  Mayor  Joslyn  called  the  meeting  to  order  and  quickly 
introduced  Hon.  Neill  Donnelly  as  president.  The  first  number  on  the 
program  was  singing  of  "Nearer,  My  God,  to  Thee"  rendered  by  a  choir, 
followed  by  scripture  reading  by  Rev.  J.  Adams  and  prayer  by  Rev. 
J.  D.  Wells.  Then  came  the  address  by  Rev.  J.  D.  McLean,  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church.  Fully  3,000  people  were  packed  in  the  park  grounds 
that  day,  and  all  listened  with  marked  attention.  The  speaker  dwelt 
on  the  noble  traits  of  General  Garfield's  manhood,  as  soldier,  scholar  and 
president;  this  took  him  from  the  humble  log  cabin  to  the  White  House. 

Another  address  was  made  by  Rev.  Father  Leydon  of  the  Catholic 
Church,  who  also  paid  a  glowing  tribute  to  the  departed.  It  is  said  by 
those  who  still  survive,  that  "Woodstock  had  never  listened  to  such  periods 
of  true  eloquence  before. 

At  Marengo,  on  Sunday,  the  churches  were  befittingly  draped  and 
memorial  services  were  had.  Roekford  furnished  their  chief  speaker.  For 
many  days  the  half-mast  flags  and  drapery  were  seen  fluttering  in  the 
breeze  along  Main  street  in  Marengo.  The  colors  used  were  black  and 
white. 

At  Algonquin,  on  the  day  and  hour  which  Garfield's  body  was  being 
lowered  into  the  tomb  in  Cleveland,  services-  truly  befitting  were  being 
held.  All  business  was  suspended  for  the  day.  Services  were  held  in 
St.  John's  Episcopal  Church  at  11  A.  M.    At  2  P.  M.  a  large  congrega- 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  273 

tion  assembled  in  the  German  Lutheran  and  also  one  at  the  Free  .Method- 
ist churches.  The  bells  of  the  church  and  schools  tolled  mournfully  and 
slow,  striking  forty-nine  times,  representing  Garfield's  age. 

At  Richmond,  this  county,  all  business  was  closed  for  the  day.  The 
Garfield  Guards  from  Grand  Junction  marched  through  the  streets 
in  funeral  step. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  all  McHenry  County  mourned  for  him  whom 
they  had  cause  to  respect  and  love. 

DEATH  OF  U.  S.  GRANT 

While  not  a  tragic  death,  that  of  t he  great  Civil  War  commander,  and 
ex-president,  F.  S.  Grant,  which  took  place  in  July,  1885,  caused  an 
almost  world-wide  sorrow.  He  died  of  a  cancer  in  his  throat,  after  being 
a  patient  sufferer  for  many  weary  months,  and  it  is  recorded  that  no 
murmur  of  complaint  fell  from  his  lips  during  all  that  period. 

The  Woodstock  Sentinel  on  July  30,  that  year,  devoted  six  and  one- 
half  columns  to  his  obituary  notes  and  a  review  of  his  wonderful  career. 
At  the  memorial  services  in  Woodstock,  the  order  of  exercises  was  about 
as  follows :  The  line  formed  at  1 :30  p.  m.  and  marched  around  the  public 
square  to  the  east  entrance,  the  order  being,  the  marshal,  Col.  William 
Avery;  the  McHenry  military  band;  Company  "G"  of  the  National 
Guards,  Capt.  A.  E.  Bourne;  Woodstock  Legion  Select  Knights,  George 
Eckert,  commander;  and  others  including  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Re- 
public, Judge  B.  N.  Smith,  commander,  followed  by  citizens.  Over  2,000 
people  attended  this  memorial  for  the  "Silent  Soldier."  The  services 
were  under  the  auspices  of  the  Grand  Army  Post.  Mayor  Bunker  was 
president  of  the  day.  Adjutant  Wright  read  the  orders;  scriptures 
were  read  by  Rev.  D.  S.  McEwan  of  Kansas  City;  Rev.  Hoover  offered 
prayer.  The  music  was  in  charge  of  E.  E.  Richards.  Hon.  Frank  Crosby 
delivered  a  beautiful  and  truly  appropriate  address  and  reviewed  in 
detail  the  deeds  of  the  great  hero.  Rev.  S.  C.  Hoy  pronounced  the  bene- 
diction. The  decorations  and  emblems  of  military  and  civic  mourning 
were  never  more  impressive  than  those  furnished  at  the  park  on  that 
occasion.  Each  of  the  four  corners  of  the  park  entrances  were  draped 
and  each  had  a  portrait  of  the  deceased  soldier-president,  he  who  suc- 
ceeded in  bringing  a  great  rebellion  to  its  close  where  many  others  bad 
failed,  and  he  who  was  twice  elected  to  the  presidential  chair  of  his 
country.     About  the  portrait  thus  suspended  were  the  simple  words: 


274  HISTORY  OF  McIIKXKY  COUNTY 

"The  Nation's  Loss."  On  the  reverse  of  these  words  were  the  names  of 
the  many  battles  in  which  Genera]  Grant  bad  fought. 

All  business  of  the  county  seat  and  other  places  in  McHenry  County 
were  closed  for  thai  solemn  day.  Nunda  Grand  Army  Post  was  up  to 
Woodstock  and  took  part  in  the  exercises.  The  ladies,  unaided  by  the 
men,  furnished  the  entire  decoration  and  drapery  of  the  grounds  at  the 
park. 

The  exercises  included  music  by  the  McHenry  hand,  reading  of  the 
orders,  music  by  the  band,  prayer,  music  by  the  ehoir,  the  address, 
music  by  the  choir,  music  by  the  band,  short  address  by  Rev.  Hoover 
and  others.  The  vice  presidents  of  the  day  were:  T.  M.  Cook,  Seneca 
Township;  Burton  "Wright,  Greenwood;  William  Walkup,  Ridgefield; 
Win.  G.  Conklin,  Hartford;  II.  M.  .Mead.  Hebron;  R.  Bishop,  McHenry. 

It  should  be  stated  that  all  preparations  had  been  made  to  hold 
these  exercises  on  Saturday  hut  on  account  of  a  rain  storm  on  that  date 
it  was  postponed  until  Sunday  afternoon. 

DEATH  OF  PRESIDENT  WILLIAM    m'kINLEY 

Again  the  hand  of  an  assassin  cut  down  a  dearly -beloved  president, 
causing  universal  sorrow  to  prevail  throughout  the  land,  when  "William 
MeKinley  was  shot  by  Louis  Czolgosz,  while  attending  the  Pan-Ameri- 
can Exposition  at  Buffalo,  X.  Y.,  September  (J,  1901),  and  from  such 
wounds,  died  on  the  14th  of  that  month  and  year.  He  had  just  com- 
menced his  second  term  as  president. 

Thirty  minutes  after  the  telephone  message  to  Woodstock  from  Chi- 
cago that  "McKinley  is  dead,"  the  Sentinel  had  out  extras,  nine  by 
twelve  inches,  and  was  scattering  them  broadcast  throughout  the  city. 
This  was  5:35  P.  M.  and  it  was  8  o'clock  that  night  before  the  Chicago 
papers  readied  McHenry  County.  The  following  Thursday  an  immense 
audience  gathered  at  the  city  hall  at  -  P.  M.  to  pay  a  fitting  homage  to 
the  third  president  killed  by  an  assassin  within  thirty-six  years.  The 
hall  was  not  large  enough  to  hold  one-half  of  the  people  who  wanted  en- 
trance. All  business  was  suspended  and  evidences  of  great  sorrow  were 
seen  on  every  face  and  in  all  places.  Men  of  strong  wills  and  sturdy 
frame  would  meet  and  glancing  at  one  another,  pass  without  speaking 
for  fear  that  they  would  break  down  and  cry.  Every  flag  in  the  city 
was  flying  at  half-mast  and  the  pictures  of  the  dead  president  were  to 
be  seen  everywhere,  at  the  city  building  and  at  the  near-by  park.  At  the 
corner  entrances  of  the  public  square  might  have  been  seen  draped  arches 


"<4 

Wmk 

■ 

fi 

k  'wr'' t^   *** 

im\  / 

Ely         v 

■   :-  ■ 

Bgr                       1 

HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  275 

and  portraits  of  McKinley  whom  all  had  honored  in  life,  and  truly 
monmed  in  death.  Xo  Sunday  was  ever  more  quiet  in  Woodstock  than 
this  week-day  of  mourning.  The  decorations  at  the  hall  were  never  so 
tine  and  bore  mute  testimony  to  the  skillful  hands  who  had  tenderly 
fashioned  them.  The  Oliver  Typewriter  band  headed  the  procession 
made  up  of  the  local  Grand  Army  Post  and  Women's  Relief  Corps,  with 
members  of  Company  "G,"  Illinois  National  Guard.  They  marched 
once  around  the  park  and  then  entered  the  city  hall  auditorium,  which 
was  almost  filled  before  this  procession  reached  the  building.  At  the 
rear  of  the  stage  were  seated  fifty  of  the  older  citizens  of  the  county 
and  just  in  front  of  them  were  twenty-four  singers  and  at  the  front  of 
the  platform  were  the  ministers  and  speakers,  members  of  the  McHenry 
County  bar,  etc.  Mayor  E.  C.  Jewett  presided  in  a  most  dignified  man- 
ner. The  band  played  Handel's  "Dead  March  in  Said,"  and  Rev. 
S.  II.  Hay  of  the  Presbyterian  church  read  the  scripture  lesson,  after 
which  the  quartette  sang  "Soldier  Rest  in  Peace."  At  just  2:30  P.  M. 
(the  exact  hour  that  the  body  of  the  lamented  president  was  being  low- 
ered to  the  tomb  at  Canton,  Ohio),  the  chairman  requested  the  entire 
audience  to  rise  and  stand  five  minutes  with  heads  bowed.  In  silence 
of  death  this  was  carried  out  and  at  the  close,  the  band  broke  the  long 
silence  by  striking  up  "Nearer,  My  God,  to  Thee,"  and  all  who  could  con- 
trol their  feelings  joined  in  the  singing  of  that  hymn  now  made  immortal 
as  Major  McKinley's  favorite. 

The  address  was  made  by  Attorney  Lumley,  and  after  him  a  personal 
friend  of  the  deceased  president,  Rev.  Sunderlin  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  spoke  feelingly. 

At  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  the  evening  of  the  same  memo- 
rial occasion,  A.  S.  Wright  spoke  of  his  several  meetings  with  Major  Mc- 
Kinley,  as  governor  and  president. 

More  was  printed  in  the  secular  and  religious  press  concerning  Major 
McKinley  than  of  any  other  deceased  president.  After  the  memorial 
services  were  over  and  the  addresses  made,  all  in  which  the  Woodstock 
and  McHenry  County  people  participated,  were  printed  in  a  neat  book- 
let and  sold  at  five  cents  each,  and  1,000  were  thus  disposed  of,  and  many 
are  yet  in  existence  throughout  the  county.  The  addresses  are  given  in 
full  in  this  booklet. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

PERSONAL  REMINISCENCES 

By  E.  E.  Richards 

PREAMBLE FIRST   MEMORIES EARLY  YEARS FREE  PASTURES THE  COURTS 

— COUNTY    FAIRS MUSICAL    EVENTS FISHING HUNTING  —  ORIGINAL 

CHARACTERS — MUSICAL    REMINISCENCES   OF    HALF    A    CENTURY. 

PREAMBLE 

Having  assumed  the  position  of  historian  of  my  personal  reminis- 
cences, I  enter  upon  my  task  with  some  misgivings  as  to  whether  I  shall 
make  my  story  of  sufficient  interest  to  pay  for  a  perusal  thereof.  If 
there  be  any  criticism  that  my  own  personality  be  unduly  in  evidence, 
I  ask  you  to  remember  that  this  is  my  story  of  what  has  happened  to 
myself  and  others  during  the  years  from  1852  to  1918,  and  that  I  must 
necessarily  be  present,  either  as<  an  auditor,  a  participant,  or  a  looker 
on.  It  has  been  the  custom  of  some  writers  to  introduce  their  subject  with 
a  long  erudite  disquisition  of  the  philosophical  aspects  of  the  subjects, 
and  with  tedious,  elaboration,  allow  their  pen  to  run  away  from  their 
subject,  thereby  inducing  but  little  further  interest  in  the  story.  I  shall 
take  the  more  modern  plan  of  giving  this  short  prelude  and  then  at  once 
start  on  my  "Story." 

FIRST    MEMORIES 

My  birthplace  was  Sharon,  Massachusetts,  the  date  of  my  birth  being 
February  12,  1838.  On  June  10,  1852,  we  arrived  in  the  village  of 
Woodstock,  father,  mother  and  six  children.  Our  trip  was  from  Boston 
to  Buffalo,  New  York,  by  rail,  thence  by  steamboat  by  way  of  Lake  Erie 
to  Monroe,  Michigan,  and  from  that  place  to  Chicago,  by  the  railroad. 
We  stopped  at  the  City  Hotel  on  Lake  street  one  night.  The  next  day 
we  extracted  ourselves  from  the  mud  of  Chicago  streets  and  via  Chicago 
&  Galena   Railroad   arrived  at   Marengo,   and  from  there   by   stage   to 

276 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  277 

Woodstock.  One  of  the  passengers  on  the  stage  was  a  young  lawyer, 
Theodore  D.  Murphy,  afterwards  Judge  of  the  Circuit  Court,  and  also  of 
the  Appellate  Court.  He  was  very  pleasant  and  was  enthusiastic  about 
the  country  and  its  possibilities  in  the  future,  possibilities  that  became 
actualities. 

Our  home  was  on  the  farm  of  my  uncle  Joel  II.  Johnson,  opposite 
the  residence  of  the  Rev.  R.  K.  Todd,  now  the  site  of  the  Todd  Seminary. 

I  remember  that  I  thought  Mr.  Todd  was  the  finest  gentleman  I  had 
ever  seen  and  that  Mrs.  Todd  was  his  fitting  mate.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Todd 
were  exceedingly  kind  to  us  and  during  the  years  that  soon  passed,  we 
became  greatly  attached  to  them.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Todd  had  musical  eve- 
nings, frequently,  at  which  my  brothers  and  sisters  and  I  assisted.  In 
the  year  1864  the  students  at  the  seminary,  under  the  direction  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Todd,  gave  a  spectacular  representation  of  the  great  Re- 
bellion, which  was  ably  gotten  up.  I  had  charge  of  the  music.  I  after- 
ward led  the  Presbyterian  choir  for  several  years.  Mrs.  Fidelia  Belcher 
Hamilton  was  organist. 

The  question  of  water  supply  was  one  of  a  serious  nature,  as  the 
wells  were,  most  of  them,  only  from  fourteen  to  twenty  feet  deep  and 
became  dry  if  the  seasons  were  dry  ones.  I  remember  of  going  to  the 
well  in  front  of  the  courthouse  for  a  pail  of  water  after  nine  o'clock  in 
the  evening  many  a  time.  If  the  season  was  a  wet  one,  many  cattle  got 
mired  and  men'  would  have  to  get  them  out,  or  the  cattle  would  have 
perished  as  they  were  helpless. 

There  were  many  rattlesnakes  (Massaugers)  around  the  sloughs. 
We  killed  eleven  in  one  summer  during  haying  time.  While  threshing 
on  the  Olson  farm,  as  now  known,  some  hunters  over  near  the  Pair 
grounds  set  fire  to  the  slough  grass,  and  we  barely  saved  the  grain 
stacks  and  threshing  machine,  by  fighting  the  fire  with  brush  and 
plowing  furrows  between  the  fire  and  the  stacks.  The  roads  were  poorly 
built.  In  low  places  logs  from  the  woods  were  laid  and  brush  cut,  and 
laid  on  the  logs,  and  then  earth  laid  on  the  brush.  After  driving  over 
these  roads  a  few  times  and  after  a  good  hard  rain  the  earth  was  sifted 
and  washed  into  and  through  the  brush,  leaving  but  little  but  logs  to 
ride  on.  This  caused  cramps  and  bruises  as  well  as  blasphemy.  But 
to  be  truthful,  some  of  our  roads  at  the  present  time  are  as  bad  as  they 
were  sixty  years  ago,  and  the  torrents  of  profanity  are  let  loose  with 
more  justice  and  reason  than  in  the  olden  time,  because  machinery  and 
methods  are  greatly  improved  and  only  need  to  be  put  to  use  intelli- 
gently to  have  good  roads. 


278  HISTORY  OF  McHBNEY  COUNTY 

IN  EARLY  YEARS 

The  only  brick  buildings  on  the  public  square  were  the  store  now 
owned  by  Mr.  Lyman  T.  Hoy,  and  then  used  by  himself  as  a  drug  store, 
and  the  old  Rat  Hole  building,  wood  being  the  usual  material  for  build- 
ings until  later  years.  In  after  years  these  old  wooden  buildings  were 
destroyed  by  fires  and  replaced  by  brick  structures.  These  fires  will 
doubtless  be  written  up  in  this  work,  hence  are  only  referred  to  here. 
The  burning  of  the  old  courthouse  in  the  square  on  the  evening-  of  July 
4,  1858,  was  an  event  of  much  importance.  The  bank  had  purchased  the 
old  building  and  for  a  long  time  had  neglected  to  remove  it,  which  had 
caused  some  feeling  as  it  was  not  pleasant  to  look  at.  After  one  attempt 
to  burn  the  building  a  young  attorney  whose  libations  pouring  at  the 
shrine  of  Bacchus  were  frequent  and  copious,  told  a  friend  during  the 
day  that,  although  he  had  made  a  previous  attempt  to  burn  the  old 
courthouse,  there  would  be  no  failure  this  time,  as  he  had  hired  a  first 
class  incendiary  from  Chicago.  He  would  make  no  mistake !  The  bank 
being  suspicious  of  the  attempt  to  thus  summarily  remove  the  old 
courthouse,  a  watchman  to  foil  any  attempt  of  the  kind  was  engaged. 
A  friend  of  the  watchman,  desiring,  no  doubt,  somewhat  to  relieve  the 
tedious  lonely  hours  of  the  night,  asked  the  watchman  across  the  street 
to  quench  his  thirst,  and  during  the  absence  of  this  guardian  of  the 
building  the  first  class  incendiary  got  in  his  work ! 

An  alarm  of  fire  was  heard  and  the  watchman,  rushing  back  to  assist 
in  quenching  the  fire,  saw  what  he  supposed  was  a  pail  of  water  (it 
really  was  a  lot  of  camphene,  a  most  inflammable  fluid),  caught  up  the 
pail  and  threw  the  contents  upon  the  flames,  which  act  with  the  prelimi- 
nary work  of  the  first  class  incendiary,  made  a  complete  and  successful 
conflagration. 

FREE   PASTURES 

In  those  early  days  the  pastures  were  the  commons,  the  forest  ex- 
tending from  the  village  to  the  prairie.  The  cows  would  stray  away 
through  the  woods  and  usually  come  home  at  night  to  be  milked  and 
fed.  Sometimes  our  bossy  would  not  come  up.  A  hunt  would  ensue, 
an  extended  one  sometimes,  aud  end  by  finding  the  recreant  cow  feeding 
demurely,  near  a  thicket,  greeting  us  with  an  assumption  of  surprise 
at  our  presence.  However,  when  we  began  to  explore  that  thicket  of 
bushes,  bossy  at  once  became  intensely  interested  and  also  our  close 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRT  COUNTY  279 

companion  in  our  exploration,  which  would  end  in  the  discovery  of  a 
calf  (her  baby).  "We  would  drive  the  cow  and  calf  home.  The  mother 
of  the  calf  did  not  stray  far  from  home  for  a  number  of  days,  she  being 
duly  impressed  with  the  importance  of  her  duties  as  a  good  mother. 

I  remember  one  thicket  where  we  found  a  newly-born  calf,  and  where 
there  were  several  wild  plum  trees  loaded  with  yellow,  dead  ripe  plums 
which  were  delicious  indeed. 

THE    COURTS 

My  experience  in  the  courts  of  this  county  began  when  I  was  about 
nineteen  years  of  age.  Many  amusing  and  interesting  episodes  occurred 
during  the  years  that  followed.  I  was  deputy  circuit  clerk  under  my 
uncle  Joel  H.  Johnson.  Then  followed  many  years  as  deputy  county 
clerk  under  Elam  M.  Lamb,  William  H.  Stewart,  M.  D.  Hoy,  all  grand, 
good  men  who  honored  the  position  they  held.  November,  1876,  I  was 
elected  clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court  and  held  that  office  for  three  terms, 
twelve  years.  I  met  men  of  fine  abilities.  The  judges  were  Isaac  G. 
Wilson,  a  distinguished,  dignified,  scholarly  man ;  Allen  C.  Fuller, 
Charles  Fuller  and  Robert  Wright,  of  Belvidere;  Charles  Kellum,  of 
Sycamore ;  Clark  W.  Upton,  of  Waukegan ;  Theo.  D.  Murphy,  of  Wood- 
stock ;  Charles  H.  Donnelly,  also  of  Woodstock. 

Among  the  attorneys  who  practiced  in  the  courts  were:  Lawrence 
S.  Church,  William  Kerr,  Charles  M.  Willard,  A.  B.  Coon,  Merritt  L. 
Joslyn,  James  H.  Slavin,  John  B.  Lyer,  T.  B.  Workman,  Frank  Crosby, 
and  many  more. 

The  famous  Jim  Dacy  murder  trial  was  heard.  Dacy  was  convicted 
and  hung  in  the  courtyard. 

There  were  many  lively  verbal  passages  between  attorneys;  some- 
times approaching  physical  encounters.  One  day  there  was  a  tilt  between 
A.  B.  Coon  and  Frank  Crosby,  which  showed  great  quickness  of  retort. 
Mr.  Crosby  had  accused  Mr.  Coon  of  conduct  that  was  not  strictly  in 
accord  with  the  ethics  that  should  obtain  within  the  sacred  precincts 
of  the  courtroom.    Mr.  Coon  replied:    "Well,  Mr.  Crosby,  I  never  get 

drunk  and  roll  in  the  mud  and  gutter  and  made  a  d fool  of  myself 

as  you  did."     The  retort  came  from  Mr.  Crosby  instantly:     "No,  Mr. 

Coon,  you  did  not  make  a  d fool  of  yourself,  nature  anticipated 

you." 

At  one  time  a  decree  of  divorce  had  been  granted  to  the  wife.  As 
certain  real  estate  was  involved,  it  was  deemed  necessary  to  formally 


280  HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 

default  the  defendanl  ( the  husband).  Be  was  hustled  into  a  side  room 
adjoining  the  courtroom  and  told  to  stay  there.  The  sheriff  therefore 
began  calling  the  defendant's  name.  Richard  Roe,  Richard  Roe,  where- 
upon defendanl  opened  the  door  and  came  into  the  courtroom,  saying: 
"I'm  here."  The  attorneys  began  shouting  to  him  in  whispers:  "Go 
back,  go  back!  Go  back,  you  darned  fool,  you!"  A  bailiff  caught  the 
defendant  by  the  collar  and  yanked  him  back  into  the  room.  The  judge 
was  busy  writing  the  order  for  default  of  the  defendant. 

COUNTY    PAIRS 

The  county  fairs  held  a  half  century  ago,  were  primitive,  unsatisfac- 
tory and  discouraging.  The  cattle,  sheep  and  swine  were  exhibited  along 
the  streets.  Store  rooms  were  rented  and  exhibits  were  placed  there. 
Later  on  the  grounds  now  in  use  were  secured. 

Col.  Horace  Capren  of  Alden  exhibited  his  herd  of  Devons.  Xo  finer 
animals  were  ever  shown.  E.  A.  Seward  of  .Marengo  had  a  fine  herd  of 
Durhams.  Elsworth  was  on  hand  with  Poland-Chinas  and  David  Crink- 
law,  of  Riley,  with  his  Berkshires.  The  Morgan  and  Black  Hawk  horses 
were  the  favorite  breeds  at  that  time.  Charles  8.  Dole,  of  Crystal  Lake, 
had  a  stable  of  fine-bred  horses.  "Lakeland,"  a  direct  son  of  "Hamilton 
10,"  "Brigand,"  the  sire  of  Maud  S. ;  "Patchen"  and  many  others  were 
on  exhibition.  Dan  Duffy,  with  his  grinning  Old  Barney,  w7as  always  a 
favorite  in  the  races.  It  is  a  discouraging  thing  to  make  a  county  fair 
a  success  financially. 

MUSICAL    EVENTS 

In  the  years  from  1858  and  afterwards,  musical  conventions  were 
held.  William  B.  Bradbury  of  New  York,  George  F.  Root,  Everitt  L. 
Baker  of  Buffalo,  Prof.  Fargo,  Dr.  Palmer,  Prof.  Wheeler  of  Boston 
were  engaged  to  instruct  and  conduct.  As  many  as  200  persons  would 
attend.  Our  Woodstock  people  opened  their  homes  to  them  and  after 
a  week's  instruction,  a  grand  concert  would  close  the  convention.  Great 
enthusiasm  prevailed.  In  1861,  Prof.  Wheeler  was  drilling  a  large 
children's  chorus.  A  telegram  came,  stating  that  Ft.  Sumter  had  been 
fired  on  by  rebels.  I  took  the  telegram  to  Prof.  Wheeler.  He  read  it 
and  then  turned  to  the  children  and  said:  "The  rebels  have  fired  on 
Ft.  Sumter,  on  the  flag,  our  flag,  and  I  want  you  to  sing  the  'Star  Span- 
gled Banner'  as  you  never  sang  it  before."     They  sang  it  at  him.  they 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  281 

just  screamed  at  him  as  he  stood  before  them  with  the  tears  running 
down  his  face.  I  never  knew  the  National  Hymn  sung  as  those  children 
sang  it.  As  it  ought  to  be  sung  now  with  every  fibre  of  our  being 
vibrating  with  love  and  devotion  for  our  flag,  for  our  country. 

These  musical  conventions  were  productive  of  a  great  interest  in 
music.  Among  the  persons  who  contributed  their  time  and  their  talents 
for  the  promoting  of  further  interest  in  music  in  the  early  years  I  would 
name  Harvey  Denfee,  Mrs.  Fidelia  B.  Hamilton,  Mrs.  Ball  McEwan, 
Mrs.  Olive  Wright,  Miss  Agnes  Quinlan,  Mrs.  Sadie  Murphy,  Mr.  Alvois 
Dryer,  Charles  D.  Lemmon,  A.  R.  Murphy  and  others.  The  cantata  of 
Esther,  the  Oratoria  of  Daniel  and  other  cantatas  were  given.  My 
operetta  of  ' '  The  Reception ' '  was  given  and  was  accorded  a  kind  recep- 
tion by  the  audience  filling  the  city  hall  and  netting  $210  for  the  public 
library.  The  Oliver  Typewriter  Band  was  an  organization  of  which  we 
were  justly  proud. 

FISHING 

Fishing,  like  hunting,  "is  not  what  it  used  to  be."  Duffield's  Lake, 
near  Woodstock,  Fox  Lake,  Pistaqua  Lake,  Crystal  Lake,  Fox  River,  all 
furnished  good  fishing.  Pickerel,  pike,  black  bass,  river  bass,  rock  bass, 
silver  bass  and  muskalonge  were  abundant  in  those  days.  I  saw  a  forty- 
two-pound  muskalonge  that  was  caught  in  Pistakee  Bay  thirty  years 
ago.  And  this  reminds  me  of  a  letter  and  a  Christmas  present  received 
from  a  cousin  of  ours,  a  conductor  on  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad, 
residing  at  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  a  splendid  good  fellow,  albeit  he  is  given 
to  the  perpetrating  of  practical  jokes  upon  his  friends.  Last  Christmas 
he  sent  me  a  Christmas  present.  It  was  in  a  red  box,  marked  "Fishing 
Twine,"  and  a  two-pound  fish  would  break  that  twine  the  first  lunge 
after  being  hooked.  It  was  an  insinuation  that  that  fishing  twine  was 
good  enough  for  any  fish  I  would  catch  down  here.  To  show  proper 
resentment,  I  wrote  him  a  letter,  as  follows : 

"Dear  Dock— 

I  give  you  my  thanks  for  the  fishing  twine 

You  send  to  me  for  the  fishing  line 

You  use  for  the  minnows  and  such  up  there, 

Which,  with  pride  in  your  skill,  you  safely  snare. 


HISTORY  OF  .M<  HENRY  COUNTY 

l'.nl  say,  Dock,  up  in  Pistaqua  Ray, 

When  the  shout  poos  up:    "Give  the  righl  away!" 

When  the  boat  starts  with  a  surge  and  a  plunge, 

You  know  you  have  hooked  a  Muskalonge — 

He  is  at  least  a  forty-pounder; 

5Tou've  a  fight  on  hand  for  an  hour  or  more, 

And  to  land  this  whale,  you  steer  for  the  shore. 

When  the  beast  you've  landed  the  fight  is  o'er. 

You've  had  fight  enough — don't  want   any  more. 

I  in  I   say.  Dock,  when  you're  making  such  a  race, 
With  a  forty-pound  muskie  to  make  the  pace; 
When  through  the  water,  with  a  rush  and  a  roar, 
The  boat  sends  waves  rushing  from  shore  to  shore, 
And  everything's  going  nice  and  fine, 
Say.    Dork:     What  would  happen   to  that   fishing  twine.' 
Yours  thankfully  and  sincerely, 
Dee.  27,  1916.  E.  E.  Richards. 

Among  my  earliest  recollections  was  a  fishing  party  consisting  of  nine 
persons,  among  whom  were  Charles  Crawford,  James  Tappan,  John  M. 
Harper,  myself  and  a  few  others  whose  names  I  have  forgotten.  The 
place  was  Fox  River,  near  Burton's  Bridge.  We  had  a  seine  sixteen 
rods  long.  My  share  was  a  two-bushel  grain  sack  full.  The  number  of 
fishes  taken  was  great.  It  is  a  crime  to  draw  a  seine  now,  and  should 
have  been  then  or  at  any  time. 

Spearing  fish  in  Fox  River  was  an  exciting  sport.  "With  a  torch 
attached  to  the  bow  of  the  boat,  the  spearman  with  his  spear  poised, 
awaited  the  swiftly  darting  red  horse  and  other  fish.  When  the  fish 
was  near  enough  a  sudden  lunge  impaled  the  fish  and  it  was  lifted 
struggling  into  the  boat.  Red  horse-  usually  weighed  from  six  to  twelve 
pounds. 

Trolling  with  a  spoon-hook  was  one  way  to  capture  fish  and  many 
were  taken  in  that  manner.  The  stocking  the  waters  of  the  State  with 
German  carp  was  a  mistake.  They  destroy  the  breeding  places  of  the 
game  fish  and  are  a  nuisance. 

HUNTING 

The  game  found  in  the  years  from  1852  to  1870  was  abundant  as  com- 
pared with  the  present  time.    Jack  snipe,  sandpiper,  yellow  legs,  plover, 


^  ! 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  283 

woodcock,  quail,  prairie  chickens  in  clouds,  rabbits,  squirrels,  raccoons, 
woodchucks,  gophers,  to  say  nothing  of  the  tens  of  thousands  of  ducks, 
wild  geese,  wild  pigeons,  etc.  Hunters  lived  on  the  fat  of  the  land.  The 
slaughter  of  wild  pigeons  was  as  bad  as  seining  fish,  and  consequently 
these  pigeons  are  extinct.  I  will  relate  one  instance  to  show  the  possi- 
bilities in  hunting  in  the  early  days.  An  uncle  of  mine,  living  near 
Boston,  paid  us  a  visit.  He  had  never  been  west  of  New  York  City. 
So  one  morning  we  called  the  liver-colored  pointer  dog  and  said  to  him: 
"we  propose  to  hunt  prairie  chickens."  The  dog  manifested  his  delight 
by  rolling  over  and  over.  We  hunted  over  the  farms  of  the  Hartlets  and 
others  of  Greenwood  Township  for  about  three  hours  and  bagged  eleven 
prairie  chickens,  which  gave  my  uncle  great  pleasure,  not  only  the  shoot- 
ing, but  the  wonderful  intelligence  of  the  dog.  The  broiled  prairie 
chicken  for  breakfast  next  morning  furnished  a  fitting  climax  to  the  hunt- 
ing trip.  The  spring  and  fall  gave  the  hunters  fine  sport  in  hunting 
ducks  and  geese.  Burney  Sherman  was  our  guide  and  advisor  in  the 
hunting  field  in  the  early  days,  and  is  still  with  us  hale  and  hearty. 

ORIGINAL  CHARACTERS 

In  every  small  town  and  village  there  are  persons,  men  and  women, 
who  have  peculiar  characteristics  and  are  denominated  "characters." 
One  man  in  Woodstock  whose  name  was  John  Metcalf  was  supposed  to  be 
possessed  of  Indian  lore,  and  who  was  perfectly  willing  to  be  considered 
such.  He  had  the  shuffle  or  walk  peculiar  to  the  Indian  (assumed  I 
think).  He  claimed  to  be  able  to  locate  bee  trees,  and  to  be  familiar  with 
the  habits  of  the  birds  of  the  woods  and  fields,  the  wolves,  the  foxes,  wild- 
cats and  the  fishes  whose  habitat  was  the  river  and  lake.  He  could  and 
did  make  excellent  fish  lines  of  horse  hair,  and  of  course  was  by  the 
youngsters  considered  a  wonderful  man. 

Col.  James  M.  Strode,  a  tall  Kentuckian,  who  had  seen  service  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war,  and  was  for  one  term  Judge  of  this  county,  was  a  man 
of  some  peculiar  characteristics.  After  the  old  courthouse  was  burned, 
courts  were  held  in  the  halls  of  the  brick  blocks  on  the  public  square. 
One  morning  soon  after  opening  court,  Judge  Strode,  who  doubtless  felt 
the  need  of  a  stimulant  to  fit  him  for  the  arduous  duties  of  the  day,  said 
to  Mr.  M.  L.  Joslyn,  then  a  young  lawyer,  "Mr.  Joslyn  I  wish  to  step 
down  stairs  for  a  few  moments,  will  you  preside  in  my  absence  until  I 
return?"  Thereupon  Judge  Strode  retired  and  Mr.  Joslyn  assumed  the 
position  of  County  Judge  pro  tem.  for  a  span  of  about  two  minutes,  when 


284  HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 

he  said,  "Mr.  Sheriff  adjourn  this  court  until  nine  o'clock  tomorrow 
morning."  Whereupon  the  sheriff:  "Hear  ye,  hear  ye,  hoar  ye,  this 
honorable  court  is  now  adjourned  until  tomorrow  morning."  The  judge 
pro  tern,  then  confirmed  the  proclamation  of  the  sheriff.  Judge  Joslyn 
put  on  his  hat,  and  proceeded  down  stairs  from  the  court  room,  at  the 
head  of  a  hilarious  crowd.  Meeting  Judge  Strode  at  the  foot  of  the  stairs 
descending  the  stairs,  he  said.  "Mr.  Joslyn,  what  does  this  mean  .'  I  left 
you  to  preside  during  my  absence."  Joslyn  replied — "You  did  Judge 
Strode  and  1  adjourned  court  until  tomorrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock." 
Of  course  Judge  Strode  was  furious.  His  wrath  was  appeased  upon  an 
invitation  to  come  and  have  "something"  and  he  came!  Judge  Strode 
was  an  orator  and  indeed  eloquent  and  pleasing.  He  repeated  himself 
in  his  perorations,  and  frequently  concluded  his  remarks  thus:  "But 
ladies  and  gentlemen  I  will  not  elaborate  further.  The  few  remarks  I 
have  made  have  been  entirely  without  premeditation,  and  thanking  you 
for  your  kind  attention  I  will  conclude." 

('apt.  Charles  G.  Tryon  was  the  owner  of  a  large  farm  in  the  south- 
west corner  of  Richland  Township.  The  Tryon  home  was  a  hospitable 
one  and  a  social  center.  The  captain  relates  an  incident  showing  the 
lawless  condition  of  the  country  at  that  time  (about  1840).  One  day  as 
the  family  and  some  neighbors  were  in  the  front  yard,  Henry  M.  Wait 
the  sheriff  of  McHenry  County,  rode  in  on  horseback.  A  horse  saddled 
was  standing  in  the  yard.  "One  of  you  men  get  onto  that  horse  and 
follow  me,"  was  the  sheriff's  order,  which  was  obeyed  and  they  rode  out 
to  the  highway,  where  a  short  distance  ahead  was  a  man  on  horseback 
riding  towards  the  Wisconsin  line.  They  galloped  up  to  the  man  and 
Mr.  Wait,  the  sheriff  caught  him  by  the  collar,  turning  him  around  and 
headed  for  Woodstock.  This  man  was  a  horse  thief,  caught  with  the 
goods ! 

Captain  Tryon  had  one  old  Irishman  working  for  him  named  Pat 
Dooley.  One  day  in  returning  from  the  village  of  Richmond  five  or  six 
miles  distant,  he  was  met  by  Pat  who  said:  "Mr.  Tryon  there  were 
siveral  gintlemin  from  Woodstock  here  to  see  you."  "Oh,  probably  a 
lot  of  politicians,"  said  the  captain.  "No  sir,  they  were  not,"  said  Pat. 
"they  were  perfect  gintlemin." 

In  the  year  1852,  Mr.  George  Gage  of  West  McHenry  was  a  candidate 
for  state  senator  and  was  duly  elected  to  that  honorable  position.  During 
his  canvass,  in  company  with  Hank  McLean,  he  held  a  meeting  at  the 
village  of  Alden.  At  the  conclusion  of  their  speeches  they  were  invited 
to  spend  the  night  with  a  wealthy  farmer,  Mr.  Asahel  Disbrow,  which 


HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY  285 

invitation  was  accepted.  The  wife  of  the  farmer  provided  a  good 
luncheon.  An  hour  was  engaged  in  pleasant  conversation.  Their  host 
then  said:  "Gentlemen,  we  usually  retire  at  this  hour,  after  having 
prayers  and  reading  a  portion  of  the  scriptures.  You  may  retire  now 
if  you  wish  to,  or  we  would  be  happy  to  have  you  join  us  in  our  devo- 
tions." An  invitation  which  they  were  glad  to  accept.  There  was  a  son 
in  the  family  who  was  not  quite  right  mentally.  However  he  certainly 
had  a  brain  of  some  use  as  will  presently  be  observed.  The  good  farmer 
knelt  down  in  prayer  and  among  his  requests  prayed  the  Lord  to  remem- 
ber the  strangers  who  sojourned  within  their  gates,  temporarily  for  a 
season,  and  especially  him  who  would  soon  represent  us  in  the  Legislature 
and  make  laws  for  our  government.  "And  0  Lord,  we  pray  that  thou  will 
give  him  wisdom,  make  him  honest,  Amen."  "Dad,  that's  what  he  needs, 
make  him  honest,  make  him  honest,"  shouted  the  young  man  who  was 
supposed  to  be  mentally  deficient. 

Dan  Sweeney  was  a  good  hearted  Irishman,  who  never  in  his  life 
harmed  anyone.  He  unfortunately  was  addicted  and  wedded  to  the  use 
of  the  "ardent,"  and  didn't  believe  in  divorces.  He  evidently  adhered 
to  the  advice  given  by  Timothy  (1-5-23)  "Drink  no  longer  water,  but  use 
a  little  wine  for  thy  stomach's  sake  and  thine  often  infirmities. "  Dan 
was  taking  care  of  an  old  hermit  who  lived  in  a  little  hut  in  Hartland  and 
was  very  ill.  Doctor  Windmuller  was  sent  for.  Answering  the  call  he 
went  to  the  hut  and  going  in  saw  at  once  that  the  man  was  dying.  He 
sat  down  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  old  hermit  died.  At  that  moment 
a  woman  opened  the  door,  looked  in  and  said,  "Dan  Sweeney,  how's  the 
mons?"  "Well,  Madame  by  the  grace  of  God  and  the  help  of  Doctor 
Windmuller,  he's  dead,"  was  Dan's  reply. 

MUSICAL  REMINISCENCES  OF  HALF  A  CENTURY 

No  better  index  of  the  musical  talent  that  has  been  displayed  in  Mr- 
Henry  County  can  be  given  here  than  to  insert  portions  of  a  lengthy, 
and  highly  interesting  "paper"  read  before  the  Woman's  Club  in  Wood- 
stock, in  the  winter  of  1918-19,  the  same  being  by  pioneer  E.  E.  Richards, 
the  gifted  composer,  director  and  tenor  singer,  who  has  been  at  the  head 
of  music  as  leader  since  the  days  of  the  Civil  War : 

"Mrs.  Kathryn  M.  Fields,  Chairman  of  Committee  of  Music  and  Art 
of  the  Woodstock  Woman's  Club — 

"My  Dear  Mrs.  Fields:  I  must  thank  you  for  the  compliment  paid 
me  in  this  assignment.     It  is  a  task  worthy  of  one  more  competent  than 


286  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

myself.  Therefore  I  have  called  to  my  aid  some  musical  friends  to  wit: 
.Miss  Agnes  Quinlan,  .Mrs.  Olive  Wright,  Mrs.  Jessie  diaries.  Mrs.  Mary 
Buck.  Mrs.  Fidelia  B.  Hamilton  would,  I  know,  have  joined  me  as  a 
collaborator  in  this  work  had  her  bodily  health  permitted. 

"If  tins  write-up  reads  like  an  autobiography  and  if  the  personal 
pronoun,  1,  obtrudes  itself  too  persistently,  please  remember  that  I  am 
writing  of  what  I  have  seen  and  what  I  have  heard  and  many  times  have 
had  a  part  in  the  performances  of  the  years  long  ago. 

"In  this  history,  we  begin  at  the  years  1853-4-5,  when  the  only 
Protestant  church  here  was  a  small  wood  building  where  Dacy's  lumber 
yard  now  is.  The  Presbyterian  Church,  and  I  remember  the  Catholic 
Church  nearly  on  the  site  of  the  present  splendid  edifice  now  owned 
by  that  society.     Other  societies  held  their  services  iu  halls. 

"In  1852-3-4-5  musical  instruments  were  not  numerous.  Churches 
did  not  have  organs.  I  remember  that  Fidelia  Belcher  (now  Hamilton) 
had  a  melodion  that  was  played  in  the  lap  of  the  performer.  The  Bap- 
tist Church  at  a  later  date  secured  a  bass  viol,  presented  to  them  by  the 
Baptist  Church  of  Sharon,  Massachusetts,  where  my  father  played  it. 

"When  I  was  fifteen  or  sixteen  years  old,  I  began  playing  the  violin 
in  the  choir  of  the  Baptist  Church.  One  old  lady,  a  member,  objected, 
saying,  if  she  saw  a  fiddle  in  church,  she  didn't  know  but  she  would  want 
to  dance.  My  mother,  also  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  a  worthy 
one,  said  to  this  disciple  of  terpsichore,  that  if  her  thoughts  were  on 
sacred  things,  she  would  not  be  thinking  of  dancing. 

"It  was  not  many  years  before  the  church  organ  was  introduced,  then 
the  pipe  organs. 

"Professor  Tower  of  Greenwood  was  the  singing  teacher,  and  taught 
us  rurals  to  sing  do,  re,  me,  fa,  sol,  etc.  and  then  hymns  and  anthems 
and  choruses.  A  revival  of  old  fashioned  singing  schools  would  be  of 
value  to  many  who  now  become  members  of  church  choirs,  knowing  little 
or  nothing  of  pitch,  rhythm,  the  value  of  notes,  whole,  half,  quarter,  etc., 
but  gifted  by  dynamics  especially  in  the  fortissimos,  and  who  demoralize 
choirs,  and  suggest  bad  language  to  the  leader  of  the  choir. 

".Mrs.  Martha  Clover  Todd,  wife  of  Rev.  Richard  K.  Todd,  was  a 
gifted  woman  and  did  much  for  the  advancement  of  music  in  those  early 
days.  Dr.  C.  B.  Durfee  and  Harvey  Durfee  were  prominent  in  musical 
affairs.  Harvey  Durfee  was  a  gifted  musician  and  had  a  voice  of  great 
sweetness  and  power.  He  did  mitch  for  church  music.  Mrs.  Fidelia  B. 
Hamilton  and  the  writer  of  this  paper  were  in  charge  of  the  Presbyterian 
choir  at  this  period,  and  labored  early  and  late  in  the  attempt  to  furnish 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  287 

acceptable  music,  sometimes  with  very  poor  material,  but  usually  with 
satisfactory  results. 

"In  those  days  of  fifty  and  sixty  years  ago,  the  choir  of  the  Catholic 
Church  was  composed  of  singers,  most  of  whom  have  since  joined  the 
heavenly  choir  above.  Among  those  singers  were  Mary  Quinlan,  now 
deceased,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Murphy,  and  a  tenor,  a  brother  of  Mrs.  Quinlan. 
The  daughters  of  these  noble  women  have  since  that  time  taken  the 
places  of  their  mothers  in  the  musical  services  of  the  church  and  it  has 
been  wonderfully  blessed  by  the  talents  and  ability  of  their  daughters, 
given  willingly  and  with  sincerity  and  fidelity. 

"Miss  Agnes  Quinlan  for  many  years  had  charge  of  the  music  of  her 
church  and  was  an  able  and  faithful  director  of  the  musical  services. 
Miss  Eveline  Murphy,  a  daughter  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Murphy,  was  a  lovely 
young  woman.  Her  musical  education  was  thorough.  Her  compositions 
for  the  piano  were  of  great  merit  and  were  portrayals  of  the  fineness  and 
loveliness  of  her  character. 

' '  It  was  the  custom  in  the  years  prior  to  the  Civil  War  to  hold  musical 
conventions,  singers  coming  to  Woodstock  from  all  parts  of  the  county, 
sometimes  to  the  number  of  200  and  hold  their  conventions  for  a  whole 
week,  the  citizens  of  Woodstock  taking  the  singers  into  their  homes 
willingly. 

"Eminent  musicians  were  engaged  to  conduct  the  meetings.  Such 
men  as  William  B.  Bradbury,  George  F.  Root,  Everett  L.  Baker,  Mr. 
Wheeler  of  Boston,  Dr.  Fargo  and  Dr.  Palmer  came  and  under  the  direc- 
tion and  instruction  we  sang  the  musical  compositions  of  Mozart,  Beeth- 
oven, Franz  Abt.  Also  those  of  William  Bradbury,  George  F.  Root, 
Lowell  Mason  and  many  others,  thereby  becoming  familiar  with  better 
music  than  we  had  known  and  being  greatly  benefitted  thereby. 

"The  cantata  of  Esther,  composed  by  Mr.  Bradbury  was  sung  under 
his  direction  and  instruction,  my  sister  Mrs.  Harper,  taking  the  part  of 
Esther.  George  F.  Root  was  with  us  at  Marengo,  and  a  most  interesting 
meeting  was  held.  At  Marengo  a  quartette  composed  of  Mrs.  Fidelia  B. 
Hamilton,  Mrs.  Lorietta  Harper  (my  sister),  John  Harper,  her  husband, 
and  myself  sang  for  George  F.  Root,  he  playing  our  accompaniments.  In 
the  midst  of  one  of  our  pieces  Mr.  Root  stopped  playing,  stood  up  and 
said:  'Young  ladies  and  gentlemen  you  sing  splendidly.'  Of  course  we 
were  proud  of  such  a  compliment  from  such  a  man. 

"Professor  Fargo  and  Dr.  H.  L.  Palmer  were  here,  also  Professor 
Wheeler  of  Boston.  Everett  L.  Baker  of  Buffalo,  a  fine  pianist  and  singer 
was  also  here.     Professor  Tower  of  Greenwood  was  here  and  acted  as 


288  BISTORY  OF  M.  II  KXUY  COUNTY 

mast  it  of  ceremonies.  As  was  his  usual  custom  he  called  on  some  of 
the  lawyers  to  make  remarks,  knowing  that  they  would  say  something 
complimentary  about  our  singing.  Among  those  called  was  Rev.  Adoni- 
soni  Joslyn,  brother  of  M.  L.  Joslyn,  who  referred  to  the  chorus  we  sang, 

'Hail,  Hail,  This  Happy  Day,'  and  said  that  he  didn't  quite  understand 
the  allusion  to  happy  and  sappy  days.  Mr.  Baker  was  always  ready  at 
repartee,  quickly  replied  that  the  reverend  gentleman  must  admit  there 
was  some  sap  and  some  snap  in  the  singing  of  the  chorus,  that  no  one 
would  go  to  sleep  while  the  chorus  was  sung,  and  that  lie  was  very  well 
satisfied  with  the  singing. 

"The  cantata  of  Queen  Esther  was  given  here  several  times,  including 
one  when  A.  R.  Murphy  acted  as  king,  .Mrs.  Belle  McEwen  as  Queen 
Esther.  Mrs.  ('hollar  as  Zeresh,  James  R.  Reynolds  as  Hainan,  E.  B. 
Richards  as  Mordecai  the  Jew,  and  with  other  officers  personated  and 
with  a  fine  chorus  we  gave  three  representations  of  the  cantata,  which 
netted  us  $400.  After  paying  our  expenses,  however,  we  had  the  princely 
sum  of  $75  left.  We  rented  costumes  in  Chicago  which  were  valued  at 
$700. 

"The  Oratorio  of  Belshazzar's  Feast  was  sung  at  Greenwood,  under 
the  direction  of  Professor  Tower.  Mrs.  Mary  Buck  and  Mrs.  George 
Hunt  took  solo  parts. 

"The  brothers  Frank  and  Jule  Lumhard  were  heard  in  concerts  here. 
The  celebrated  Baker  family,  with  George  Baker  as  lion  bass,  often  gave 
concerts  in  Woodstock,  and  these  were  great  musical  events." 

Among  the  musicians  of  this  place  Mr.  Richards  mentioned  in  detail, 
in  his  paper  above  quoted  from,  the  following : 

"Mrs.  Bell  McEwen  and  her  daughter  Mrs.  Winnie  Curtis;  Mrs. 
Olive  Wright,  for  years  organizer  in  the  Congregational  Church;  Mrs. 
Fidelia  B.  Hamilton,  organist  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  for  many 
years:  Mrs.  Sadie  Murphy,  pianist  and  organist;  Mrs.  Ethel  Greenleaf, 
pianist  has  studied  under  eminent  instructors;  Mrs.  Florence  Sherwood 
once  prominent  here  was  a  fine  pianist  and  harpist.  Alois  Dryer,  leader 
of  the  choir  at  the  Presbyterian  Church  many  years,  had  a  beautiful  tenor 
voice.  Charles  W.  Lammers,  basso,  was  always  public  spirited  and  ready 
to  do  his  part  in  music.  Walter  T.  Wheeler  and  his  wife  Fanny,  have  at 
all  times  contributed  of  their  talent.  Mrs.  Bessie  Allen  and  Mrs.  Jessie 
Charles,  and  Anderson  Murphy  have  all  been  faithful  workers  in  the 
interest  of  good  music.  A.  Dwight  Hoy  is  a  fine  pianist  as  well  as 
organist.  Mrs.  Rollo  Andrews  Southworth  has  on  more  than  one  occasion 
delighted  Woodstock  audiences." 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  289 

On  April  25,  1895,  the  Operetta,  "The  Reception,"  the  libretto  and 
music  being  composed  by  E.  E.  Richards  of  Woodstock,  was  given  before 
a  large  audience  in  the  opera  house,  under  direction  of  the  composer. 
This  was  a  musical  success  with  all  home  talent  and  was  greatly  appre- 
ciated. 

The  Oliver  Typewriter  band  organized  by  E.  E.  Richards,  we  believe, 
has  always  been  one  of  musical  features  of  Woodstock.  Mr.  Richards 
retired  from  active  part  in  musicals  several  years  ago  hence  he  leaves 
the  history  of  music  in  this  county  at  the  point  where  he  quit,  but  certain 
it  is,  he  has  had  wonderful  experiences  in  McHenry  County  along  the  line 
of  voice  culture,  and  instrumental  music,  both  as  composer  and  per- 
former. But  few  communicants  can  point  to  so  great  a  number  of  excel- 
lent musicians,  some  of  whom  are  still  living  while  many  of  the  earlier 
ones  have  gone  beyond. 


CHAPTER  XIX 
FRATERNAL  SOCIETIES  AND  ORGANIZATIONS 

FREEMASONRY — ORDER  (IP  THE  EASTERN   STAR — INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD 

FELLOWS — DAUGHTERS    OF     REBEKAH —  KNIGHTS     OF     PYTHIAS MODERN 

WOODMEN  (IF  AMERICA — ROYAL  NEIGHBORS  (IF  AMERICA — MYSTIC  WORK- 
ERS OF  THE  WORLD KNIGHTS  OF  COLUMBUS — BENEVOLENT  AND  PRO- 
TECTIVE ORDER  OP  ELKS. 

TEMPERANCE  UNION 

During  the  early  days  of  this  county's  history,  only  two  fraternities 
flourished,  and  they  have  come  down  to  us  today,  the  .Masons  and  the 
Odd  Fellows.  Several  others  came  into  existence  but  were  in  existence 
for  only  a  brief  period  and  were  not  worthy  of  a  permanent  place  in  the 
community.  New  secret  and  semi-secret  societies  have  been  organized, 
generally  along  the  lines  of  temperance  workers  or  mutual  beneficiary 
societies  oi'  lodges.  These  have  found  many  supporters  and  are  doin^ 
excellent  work  today. 

FREEMASONRY 

Saint  Mark's  Lodge  at  Woodstock  was  organized  under  dispensation 
September  20,  1847,  by  John  F.  Gray,  Worshipful  Master;  with  Luke 
Coon  senior  warden;  Calvin  Serl,  junior  warden,  as  appointed  by  the 
Grand  Master.  This  lodge  was  instituted  under  charter  by  R.  W.  Card- 
ing Jackson,  D.D.  CM.,  November  23,  1848.  The  charter  members  were 
as  follows :  John  F.  Gray,  A.  Reynolds,  Jonathan  Kimball,  Benjamin  B. 
Brown,  Sidney  Condit,  I).  W.  P.  Tower,  Joseph  F.  Blevin,  Derrick  C. 
Bush,  Patrick  T.  McMahon,  Enos  W.  Smith,  Edward  I.  Peckham, 
Andrew  J.  Haywood,  Henry  M.  Wait,  E.  I.  Smith,  Alexander  II.  Nixon, 
Elias  E.  Wightman,  Alex  S.  Lansing,  C.  Eggleston,  Z.  W.  Burnham, 
James  R.  Mock,  Levi  Sherwood,  James  McCanna,  Thomas  M.  White, 
Parker  H.  Pierson,  Calvin  Searl,  Luke  Coon,  J.  Bliss,  Henry  Petrie,  and 
Geo.  W.  Dana.    The  first  officers  were :  John  F.  Gray,  worshipful  master  ; 

290 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  291 

Luke  Coon,  senior  warden;  Calvin  Serl,  junior  warden;  Elzaphan  I. 
Smith,  treasurer;  I).  ('.  Bush,  secretary.  The  present  officers  are:  Edwin 
F.  Meyer,  worshipful  master;  Elmer  E.  Carlson,  senior  warden;  Henry 

F.  Bennewies,  junior  warden  ;  Edward  A.  Rogers,  treasurer;  and  Walter 
T.  Wheeler,  secretary.    The  membership  of  this  lodge  is  110. 

Among  the  past  masters  of  this  lodge  may  be  mentioned  the  fol- 
lowing: John  F.  Gray,  1848;  Derrick  C.  Bush,  1819-51;  Enos  W.  Smith, 
1852;  Z.  W.  Burnham,  1853:  H.  T.  Rice,  1854-55-57;  C.  M.  Willard, 
1856;  II.  M.  Wait,  1858-62;  Leander  Church,  1859-60-63-64-71-72-73; 
John  S.  Pierce,  1861  ;  W.  N.  Willis,  1865;  B.  F.  Church,  1866-67-69-74; 
E.  E.  Thomas,  1868-75-76;  E.  E.  Richards,  1870;  George  L.  Sherwood, 
1877-78-79;  Alex  L.  Salisbury,  1880-81;  Asa  W.  Smith,  1882-88-89; 
C.  N.  Kendall,  1883-84 ;  W.  E.  Hughes,  1885-86 ;  E.  C.  Jewctt,  1887-90 ; 
L.  T.  Hoy.  1891-92-93;  L.  C.  Waters,  1894;  J.  S.  Andrews.  1895;  D.  T. 
Smiley.  1896;  George  B.  Richards,  1897-98-99;  F.  W.  Buell,  1900;  H.  J. 
Dygert,  1901-02-03-04;  Theo.  Hamer,  1905-06;  C.  F.  Renich,  1907;  E.  J. 
Heimerdinger,  1908-09;  L.  W.  Richards,  1910-11;  J.  R.  Kingsley, 
1912-13;  H.  R.  Buckley,  1914-15;  C.  H.  Buckley,  1916;  W.  S.  Blanchard, 
1917;  F.  D.  Wynkoop,  1918. 

Woodstock  Chapter  No.  36  was  chartered  October  6,  1856,  with  char- 
ter members  as  follows :  John  D.  Pence,  Ephraim  I.  Smith,  Benjamin 
Carter,  G.  W.  Pooler,  L.  S.  Church,  R.  G.  Schryver,  E.  W.  Smith,  and 

G.  A.  Austin.  The  first  officers  were:  John  D.  Pence,  high  priest; 
Ephraim  I.  Smith,  king;  Benjamin  Carter,  scribe;  G.  W.  Pooler,  L.  S. 

The  present  officers  are :  Guy  E.  Still,  high  priest ;  Elmer  E.  Carlson, 
king;  Byron  D.  Chesbro,  scribe;  Emilus  C.  Jewett,  treasurer,  and  Walter 
T.  Wheeler,  secretary.  • 

Cavalry  Commandery  No.  25  was  organized  October  27,  1867,  and 
adopted  in  November.  The  charter  members  were:  Enos  Smith,  John 
J.  Murphy,  Holbert  Nickerson,  John  S.  Wheat,  Benj.  F.  Church,  Edwin 
E.  Thomas,  James  Northrup,  J.  S.  Miller,  Alex.  L.  Salisbury,  Leander 
Church.  The  present  membership  is  189,  and  its  officers  are:  Chester 
I.  Nelson,  commander ;  Henry  T.  Bennewies,  generalissimo ;  William 
Hyde  West,  captain  general:  Edward  Albert  Rogeurs,  senior  warden; 
B.  D.  Chesbro,  junior  warden;  James  S.  Andrews,  prelate;  Erastus  E. 
Richards,  treasurer ;  Guy  E.  Still,  recorder. 

The  past  commanders  have  been  as  follows :  Sir  Knights,  Erastus 
Emery  Richards,  Luman  Thomas  Hoy,  Emilus  Clark  Jewett,  Ed.  Vernon 


I 


292  BISTORT  OF  M<  BENRY  COUNTY 

Anderson,  David  Templeton  Smiley,  Hiram  JiuIm.h  Dygert,  James 
stcj.lirii-.nn  Andrews,  Fred  Burl  Bennett,  George  Albert  Cutteridge, 
Augustus  Will. in-  Wagner,  Geo.  William  [jammers,  Bugh  Bouston 
Mr-ran.  James  Becht. 

II  \i;\  \iii.  Lodge  No.  309  was  allowed  to  work  under  dispensation  from 
March  15,  1859  to  October  5,  1859,  when  ii  was  granted  a  charter.  The 
following  were  the  charter  members:  Benry  T.  Rice,  Elbridge  G.  Aver, 
Alonzo  E.  Axtell,  Benj.  Lowell.  Thaddeus  B.  Wakeman,  Henry  B.  Minier, 
Biram  Jackson,  Enos  Kellogg,  Lyman  Backus  and  a  few  others.  The 
tirst  officers  were:  master.  Henry  T.  Rice;  senior  warden.  Elbridge  G. 
Ayer;  junior  warden.  Alonzo  E.  Axetell.  The  present  membership  of 
this  lodge  is  277.  Its  present  officers  include  W.  B.  Coburn,  worshipful 
master  :  Ray  E.  Lush,  senior  warden  ;  Raymond  G.  Orcutt,  junior  warden  ; 
Thomas  P.  Marshall,  treasurer:  Hugh  H.  Megran,  secretary;  John  C. 
Diener,  chaplain;  George  B.  Lake,  senior  deacon:  Frederick  L.  Fisher, 
junior  deacon;  Albert  Whaples,  senior  steward;  Edward  D.  Fuller. 
junior  steward;  James  D.  Clark,  marshal:  John  P.  Lang,  tyler. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  all  presiding  officers — worshipful  masters: 
Henry  T.  Rice,  Thaddeus  B.  "Wakeman.  Abraham  Carmack,  James  M. 
Nichols,  Alonzo  E.  Axtell,  Horatio  B.  Coe,  J.  B.  Rosenkrantz,  Herbert 
S.  Williams.  Lot  P.  Smith,  Remus  Coventry.  Albert  W.  Young,  "Wallace 
C.  Wellington,  Hugh  H.  Megran,  Silas  H.  Callender,  Herbert  D.  Crumb, 
David  Davidson,  Austin  L.  Darling,  John  H.  Crawford,  John  C.  Diener, 
Ploney  E.  Whittleton,  Judson  E.  Hancock.  Frank  E.  Beck,  William  R. 
Ferrier.  William  A.  Mueller.  John  C.  Harris. 

The  Masonic  Order  at  Harvard  recently  erected  a  Masonic  Temple 
costing  about  $50,000. 

Harvard  Chapter  No.  91  was  organized  at  Harvard  October  5,  1866. 
The  first  officers  were  as  follows:  J.  G.  Callender,  high  priest;  H.  B. 
Minier,  king;  Holland  Norton,  scribe.  During  all  these  years  since  the 
close  of  the  Civil  War,  this  degree  of  Masonry  has  flourished  at  Harvard 
and  is  today  in  an  excellent  condition.  Many  of  the  Masons  at  Harvard 
and  immediate  vicinity  hold  membership  in  the  Commandery  at 
Woodstoek. 

The  present  membership  is  230  and  the  officials  are:  R.  E.  Lush, 
high  priest:  W.  II.  Coburn.  king;  C.  B.  Lake,  scribe:  G.  A.  Burney, 
captain  of  the  hosl  ;  II.  W.  Lanning,  principal  sojourner:  H.  E.  Olson, 
royal  arch  captain;  S.  M.   Kirshner,   master  of  the  third   vail:  R.  G. 


HISTORY  OF  McHEXRY  COUNTY  293 

Orcutt,  master  of  the  second  vail;  W.  R.  Diener,  master  of  the  first  vail ; 
W.  II.  Ward,  sentinel;  J.  II.  Diener,  chaplain;  J.  C.  Diener,  secretary; 
C.  F.  Barker,  steward. 

Hebron  Lodge  No.  604  was  organized  October  6,  1868,  by  Jerome  R. 
Gorian  and  had  the  following  as  its  charter  members :  James  P.  Eran- 
brack,  M.  S.  Goodsell,  P.  Eranbrack,  ('.  Branson,  Crandall  F.  Thayer, 
William  T.  Eranbrack,  David  Rowe,  Henry  Rowe,  D.  A.  Clary,  W.  H. 
Groesbeek,  C.  H.  Prouth,  G.  W.  DeGraw,  R.  Regan  and  George  Colborn. 

The  present  membership  of  the  lodge  is  110.  Its  present  officers  are : 
G.  M.  Honsholder,  worshipful  master;  M.  B.  Spooner,  senior  warden; 
James  Anderson,  junior  warden;  J.  W.  Smith,  treasurer;  W.  M.  Millar, 
secretary;  diet  Button,  senior  deacon;  II.  P.  Padske,  junior  deacon; 
John  Sumner,  tyler.    The  order  leases  its  hall. 

.Marengo  Lodge  No.  138  was  organized  at  the  village  of  Marengo 
October  5,  1853,  by  John  W.  Green,  Clinton  D.  Connor  and  Amos  B. 
Coon.  There  is  now  a  total  membership  of  135.  Among  the  present 
officers  are:  J.  C.  Tanner,  worshipful  master;  E.  C.  Robb,  treasurer; 
C.  H.  Woleben,  secretary. 

Richmond  Lodge  No.  143  was  organized  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Illinois  October  2,  1854,  and  was  the  second  Masonic  lodge  instituted 
within  this  county.  The  records  from  1854  to  1862  were  destroyed  by 
fire,  and  all  that  is  known  locally  of  this  lodge  is  that  among  the  first 
officers  and  charter  members  were  the  following:  Charles  G.  Cotting, 
Robert  F.  Bennett,  George  M.  Leach  and  a  few  others.  The  lodge  now 
has  a  membership  of  eighty.  The  Order  leases  its  hall.  The  past  pre- 
siding officers  were  :  Masters  Charles  G.  Cotting,  1854-56  ;  R.  F.  Bennett, 
1857  and  1873 ;  Alonzo  Ransom,  1858-1870 ;  George  P.  Wadell,  1871-72 ; 
and  1877  to  1880:  William  Smaites,  1874;  G.  B.  Carpenter,  1875-76  and 
in  1S83 ;  Josiah  R.  Hyde,  1881-82 ;  James  V.  Aldrich,  1884-86 ;  and  in 
1888,  1902,  1904;  Henry  J.  Christian,  1887;  William  McGaw,  1889-91; 
G.  W.  Eldridge,  1892-96 ;  R.  W.  Overton,  1897-98 ;  J.  T.  Bower,  1899-90 ; 
also  in  1903  and  1906  to  1908;  F.  E.  Holmes,  1901;  G.  E.  Miller,  1905; 
A.  M.  Gibbs,  1909-12;  F.  W.  Sanford,  1913-14;  Fred  Arp,  1915-16; 
J.  B.  Richardson,  1917-18 ;  L.  E.  Sweet,  1919.  The  secretaries  have  been : 
A.  F.  Bennett,  1854-62 ;  Charles  G.  Cotting  1863-70 ;  and  1872  to  1883 ; 
J.  G.  Darling,  1871;  A.  R.  Alexander,  1884-88;  and  in  1892;  L.  B.  Rice, 
1889;  J.  T.  Bower,  1890-91;  also  1896  and  1910  to  1919;  F.  E.  Holmes, 


294  HISTORY  OK  McIIKXRY  COUNTY 

L893  to  L895;   P.   K.  Wright,  1899-1901;  G.   E.   .Miller,  1902-3-9:  S.  A. 
Ward,  1904  to  1908. 

The  present  membership  is  eighty-nine,  and  the  officers  are:  W.  G. 
Sandgren,  worshipful  master:  K.  6.  Richardson,  senior  warden;  P.  G. 
Buchert,  junior  warden;  \Y.  P.  Stevens,  treasurer;  .1.  T.  Mower,  secre- 
tary :  Fred  Ark.  senior  deacon;  W.  A.  Austin,  junior  deacon;  William 
Elfers,  tyler. 

Algonquin  Lodge  No.  256  was  organized  and  a  charter  granted  in 
October,  1858.  The  first  officers  were:  Samuel  A.  French,  worshipful 
master;  William  Henry,  senior  warden;  Thomas  Plumleigh,  junior 
warden;  A.  S.  Thomas,  treasurer;  S.  D.  Pease,  secretary:  James  Philip, 
senior  deacon;  J.  J.  Sears,  junior  deacon;  R.  R.  Sherwood,  tyler.  This 
lodge  has  a  membership  of  seventy-three.  Among  the  present  officers 
are:  Peter  Serres,  worshipful  master;  Z.  A.  Susted,  senior  warden; 
E.  W.  Pedersen,  junior  warden;  George  E.  Bailey,  secretary. 

.Me  Henry  Lodge  No.  158  was  organized  in  1854,  with  officers  as  fol- 
lows: Z.  W.  Burnham,  worshipful  master;  J.  R.  Mack,  senior  warden; 
II.  X.  Owen,  junior  warden;  George  Gage,  treasurer;  Horace  Burton. 
secretary;  A.  H.  Nixon,  senior  deacon;  G.  W.  Burnham,  junior  deacon; 
Abner  Mack,  tyler.  With  the  passing  years  this  lodge  has  been  active 
in  the  work  of  Masonry  and  now  enjoys  a  fair  membership. 

Pull  Moon  Lodge  No.  341  was  organized  in  the  fall  of  1858,  with 
charter  members  as  follows:  A.  J.  Rodman,  Asa  Xorthway.  William  S. 
Rabb,  Charles  Jones,  James  Ferguson,  John  Wales,  William  Renwick, 
John  Cole,  S.  C.  Rowell,  William  Tyson,  Homer  Whitney  and  William 
Wright.     The  first  worshipful  master  was  William  Wright. 

The  present  membership  of  Full  Moon  Lodge  is  ninety-eight,  and  its 
officers  are  as  follows:  E.  H.  Calhoun,  worshipful  master;  R.  S.  Meysen- 
burg,  senior  warden;  Rosco  Baxter,  junior  warden:  J.  W.  Xewland. 
treasurer;  G.  II.  Larsen.  secretary;  Fred  Spat/.,  senior  deacon;  Clinton 
Cape,  junior  deacon;  L.  Foster,  tyler. 

Orion  Lodge  No.  358,  at  Union,  was  organized  by  a  charter  granted 
October  1,  1861,  with  a  membership  as  follows:  Samuel  A.  Randall, 
William  M.  Jackson,  W.  Tompkins.  P.  M.  Prisbie,  H.  W.  Belden,  X.  C. 
Gardner,  Harley  Wayne.  Cyrus  Ladd,  John  Eddy,  Philip  B.  Smith. 
George  Gorlis,  E.  W.  Fillmore. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  '29.3 

The  officers  of  Orion  Lodge  are  as  follows:  W.  P.  Groth,  worshipful 
master;  W.  D.  Force,  senior  warden;  E.  Bush,  junior  warden;  W.  C. 
Nulle,  senior  deacon ;  W.  H.  Johansen,  junior  deacon ;  Glen  Noble, 
senior  steward;  Henry  Poppe,  junior  steward;  Charles  Ackman,  treas- 
urer; Eugene  Shaw,  secretary;  Frank  Ballard,  chaplain;  G.  W.  Shaw. 
tyler. 

EASTERN   STAR 

Richmond  Chapter  No.  267  was  instituted  .March  26,  1894,  by  Mrs. 
Lydia  Eldredge,  and  was  composed  of  the  following  charter  members : 
Mrs.  E.  J.  Rose,  Rev.  E.  J.  Rose,  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Rehorst,  Mr.  H.  E. 
Boutelle,  -Mrs.  Kate  Boutelle,  Mrs.  L.  B.  Rice,  Mrs.  Fannie  Overton, 
Mr.    Richard    Overton,    Mrs.    Sylvia    Vogel,    Mrs.    Mary    Ransom,    Mrs. 

F.  E.  Holmes,  Mrs.  J.  V.  Aldrich,  Mrs.  Susan  McConnell,  Mrs.  Bertha 
.Mathers,  Mrs.  P.  K.  Allen,  Miss  Hannah  Cotting,  Mrs.  M.  C.  Haught, 

G.  W.  Eldredge,  Robert  Hunter.  Albert  Wright,  L.  B.  Rice,  F.  E.  Holmes 
and  P.  K.  Allen. 

The  present  officers  are:  Mrs.  May  Parsons,  worthy  matron;  William 
Westmont,  worthy  patron;  Mrs.  Ivy  Marzahl,  secretary.  The  lodge  now 
has  a  membership  of  145. 

Haven  Chapter  No.  727,  at  Marengo,  was  organized  January  29,  1913, 
by  Cassie  Gregory  Orr,  worthy  grand  matron ;  Samuel  W.  Fitch,  worthy 
grand  patron;  Vivian  Scott,  grand  secretary;  and  other  Grand  Lodge 
officers.  The  charter  members  were  as  follows:  Harriet  Barber  Keeling, 
Lester  Barber,  Mrs.  Mary  Barber,  Mrs.  Nora  Bright,  Miss  Gertrude 
Smith,  Mrs.  Minnie  Hartman.  Mrs.  Anna  Fry,  Mrs.  Emma  Hoof,  Mrs. 
Leora  Dunbar,  John  B.  Hoof,  Miss  Emma  Lanning,  Mrs.  Nellie  Loomis, 
Glenne  Ilaugens,  Mrs.  Blanche  Scofield,  Charles  Scofield,  William  C. 
Woodard.  Mis.  Mary  Woodard,  Clarence  J.  Coarson  and  Harry  H. 
Dunbar. 

The  first  officers  were:  Harriet  E.  Barber,  worthy  matron;  William 
C.   Woodaid.   worthy    patron;   Anna    D.    Fry,   associate   matron;    Nora 

Bright,  secretary;  Clarence  Coarson,  treasurer;  Mary ,  conductress; 

Nellie  Tanner,  assistant  conductress.  The  present  officers  are:  Mrs. 
Mabel  Johnson,  worthy  matron;  William  C.  Woodard,  worthy  patron; 
Mrs.  Florence  Miller,  associate  matron;  Mrs.  Minnie  Heath,  secretary; 
Mrs.  Maude  Olesen,  treasurer;  Mrs.  Vina  Poyer,  conductress;  Mrs.  Ella 
Mead,  assistant  conductress.    The  chapter  has  a  membership  of  126. 


296  HISTORY  OF  McHENEY  COUNTY 

Algonquin  Chapter  No.  752  was  organized  at  the  village  of  Algon- 
quin, April  ti.  1  !»14,  by  Florence  Lowell,  worthy  matron;  Fred  Lowell, 
worthy  patron;  Anna  Van  Dyne,  associate  matron;  Charles  Van  Dyne, 
secretary;  Louis  Lehky,  treasurer;  Amelia  Lehky,  conductress;  Nettie 
Van  Dyne,  assistant  conductress.  This  chapter  now  has  a  membership 
of  sixty-eight.  Its  past  presiding:  nt'tieers  have  been  as  follows:  Anna 
Van  Dyne,  worthy  matron,  Charles  Vau  Dyne,  worthy  patron,  in  1915; 
Amelia  Lehky,  worthy  matron,  Louis  Lehky,  worthy  patron,  1916; 
Nettie  Vanderane,  worthy  matron,  Michael  Griffin,  worthy  patron.  P)17: 
Florence  Hunter,  worthy  matron,  George  Hunter,  worthy  patron,  1918. 

The  present  officers  are  as  follows:  Mrs.  Alma  Bond,  worthy  matron  ; 
Stewart   \Y.  Bond,  worthy  patron:  Amelia  Lehky,  secretary. 

Habvard  Chapter  No.  362  was  organized  February  4,  1897,  and  had 
for  its  charter  members  the  following  persons:  Adelvia  V.  Clark,  Grace 
Harris,  Augusta  Rogers,  Christina  Ward,  Mary  E.  Blake,  Addie  Stuart, 
L.  B.  Jordon,  Ella  M.  Hogan,  Jennie  Astrup,  Fanny  Wellington,  Grace 
Carpenter,  Jennie  Wakely,  Addie  Beardsley,  W.  II.  Ward,  F.  H.  Wheel- 
wright, Julia  Miles,  Glenn  Wheelwright,  Emma  Lake,  Rosa  E.  Marshall, 
Robert  J.  Marshall,  Lucy  G.  Young,  Daisy  Goodsell,  Harriet  Towne, 
Mabel  H.  Mauley,  Belle  Purington.  The  present  membership  is  about 
275.  The  following  are  the  past  worthy  matrons :  Adelvia  V.  Clark, 
Belle  Purington,  Catherine  Brewer,  Delia  Diener,  Agnes  Andrews,  May 
Cortney,  Fannie  Lillibridge,  Carrie  North.  Besse  Ileatley,  Julia  L.  Peck, 
Anna  Bushnell  and  Olive  K.  Ford.  The  worthy  past  patrons  have  been : 
F.  S.  Brainard,  F.  II.  Wheelwright,  W.  A.  Hoschild,  C.  A.  Stone,  J.  H. 
Vickers,  W.  C.  Wellington,  J.  II.  Crawford,  II.  II.  Megran,  S.  E.  Betzer 
and  Harold  S.  Cash. 

McHenbt  Chapter  No.  547  was  organized  April  1,  1905.  by  William 
H.  Bridger,  and  had  a  charter  membership  as  follows:  Mrs.  Maude 
Cormack,  Miss  Eolia  Buyer,  Mrs.  Julia  Gallaher,  Mrs.  Ethel  Fisher,  Miss 
Kate  F.  Howe,  Mrs.  Ella  Branson,  Mrs.  Violet  Petesch,  Miss  Elsie  Howe, 
.Miss  Florence  Howe,  .Miss  Mildred  Stevens,  .Miss  Viletta  Stevens,  Mrs. 
Petra  Grot.  Mrs.  Luella  Lodtz,  Mrs.  Fannie  Chamberlin.  Nettie  Parks, 
Miss  Alice  Waite,  J.  M.  Carmack,  F.  A.  Holly  and  E.  C.  Fisher.  The 
membership  is  now  about  eighty-five.  The  past  presiding  officers  have 
been:  Maude  Cormack,  worthy  matron,  Eolia  Boyer,  Julia  Gallaher, 
Dora  Price,  Florence  Wray,  Alice  Waite,  Flora  Ott,  Clara  Stan-it, 
M.utha  Page  and  Fannie  Chamberlain,  and  Martha  Page. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  297 

ODD  FELLOWS 

Mabengo  Lodge  No.  175  was  organized  at  Marengo,  August  21,  1886, 
with  charter  members  as  follows:  H.  W.  Richardson,  C.  P.  Corbey, 
A.  P.  Marquis,  A.  P.  Sisou  and  F.  W.  Hovey.  The  first  elective  officers 
were:  H.  W.  Richardson,  noble  grand:  C.  P.  Corby,  vice  grand;  A.  P. 
Sison,  secretary,  and  F.  W.  Hovey,  treasurer,  taking  all  of  the  members 
to  hold  what  offices  were  needed  to  receive  their  charter  from  the  Grand 
Lodge. 

The  present  officers  are:  Ben  Dietzen,  noble  grand;  Walford  Carlson, 
vice  grand;  B.  0.  Mead,  secretary.  The  present  membership  is  ninety- 
four. 

Harvard  Lodge  No.  1013  was  organized  at  Harvard,  January  1,  1912, 
by  Guardian  Lodge  No.  60,  of  Woodstock.  The  charter  members  were 
Charles  W.  Short,  Peter  T.  Rowe,  Elmer  Rector,  Winn  L.  Matteson, 
Charles  Stein,  James  H.  Yickers,  William  C.  Gaye,  W.  A.  Dilley  and 
J.  G.  Maxon. 

The  present  membership  of  the  Lodge  is  177.  A  hall  is  leased  by 
the  order  at  present.  The  following  have  served  as  noble  grands  since 
the  organization  took  place:  J.  H.  Vickers,  Charles  W.  Short,  Elmer 
Rector,  P.  T.  Rowe,  Otto  Fick,  S.  E.  Betzer,  A.  N.  Dullam,  George  B. 
Adams,  H.  B.  Kline,  Walter  Johnson,  William  Olbrich,  William  Ilinkley, 
C.  E.  Wittmns  and  F.  A.  Clark.  The  present  officers  are :  J.  0.  McClure, 
noble  grand ;  William  Halliday,  vice  grand ;  W.  A.  Dilley,  secretary,  and 
William  Sweatman,  treasurer. 

Crystal  Lake  Lodge  No.  451  was  organized  June  12,  1914,  by  Cary 
Lodge  No.  360,  R.  H.  Grantham  acting  as  special  deputy  grand.  The 
petition  for  a  charter  was  signed  by  George  Joseph  Garrison,  Eugene 
Cos,  J.  A.  Gilbert,  E.  J.  King,  Eugene  Mathews,  and  Jacob  Horwitz. 
The  first  officers  were  as  follows:  E.  J.  King,  noble  grand;  George  J. 
Garrison,  vice  grand;  J.  A.  Gilbert,  secretary,  and  Eugene  Mathews, 
treasurer.  The  present  officers  are :  Eugene  Cox,  noble  grand ;  Eugene 
Matthews,  vice  grand,  J.  M.  Walkup,  recording  secretary.  There  is  a 
membership  at  present  of  163. 

The  noble  grands  of  Crystal  Lodge,  according  to  their  seniority,  are 
as  follows:  E.  J.  King,  George  J.  Garrison,  John  McWhorter,  II.  F. 
Gray,  P.  R.  Frederich,  Phil  Huffman,  E.  T.  Bryant,  Herman  Steinbach, 
and  J.   A.   Peterson.     This  lodge  owns  its  own   hall ;   it  is  located  on 


298  HISTORY  OF  MoHENRY  COUNTY 

Railroad  street,  near  the  depot,  and  is  expressly  fitted  up  for  lodge  uses. 
The  building  contains  a  spacious  Lodge  hall,  reception  room,  outer  room, 
stage,  dre  sing  rooms,  two  toilets,  a  banquel  room,  kitchen,  furnace  room, 
property  room  and  regalia  and  paraphernalia  closets. 

The  deceased  members  of  the  lodge  are:  John  Miller,  William  Fer- 
guson and  Tin. mas  Miller.  During  the  recent  World  war  this  lodge  was 
represented  in  the  army  as  follows:  Charles  Jolly,  Nels  Greer,  Otto 
Kammin.  Bert  Randan.  William  Eiekhoff,  Arthur  Adamack,  Walter 
Beidel,  •lames  Bowell,  Herald  Mathews,  George  Johnston,  Mark  Redman. 
Arthur  Nelson.  Rev.  Then.  Kellogg,  S.  Pearson,  Paul  Rosell,  E.  Huffman, 
.Martin  Ekeland,  Arthur  F.  Ilamden,  H.  M.  Warner.  One  brother  odd 
Fellow,  Berl  Randan,  made  the  "supreme  sacrifice"  and  another  was 
severely  wounded  during  the  World  war. 

Hi  \Ti.iv  Lodge  was  organized  November  18,  1897,  with  the  following 
charter  members:  E.  II.  Cook,  C.  W.  Rugh,  John  Torry,  B.  F.  Ellis 
and  W.  S.  Cummings.  The  lodge  now  has  a  membership  of  fifty-one 
with  officers  as  follows:  Noble  grand,  O.  H.  Schmaltz;  vice  grand,  Clay 
.Marsh  :  secretary,  Theo.  Frederick. 

IIkhrox  Lodge  No.  767  was  organized  October  15,  1889,  with  charter 
members  as  follows:  Hurley  B.  Begun,  George  A.  Finch,  D.  McKenzie. 
John  Galis,  E.  E.  Taylor,  M.  B.  Manor,  P.eal  Finch,  L.  Z.  Peirce,  W.  E. 
Wire,  I).  A.  Clary,  Peter  Robertson.  A.  .J.  Cole,  H.  D.  Walling  and  Fred 
Barragon.  There  are  now  about  eighty  members.  They  lease  a  hall  for 
a  meeting  place. 

The  present  elective  officers  are  as  follows:  John  Peterson,  noble 
grand ;  Andy  Judson,  vice  grand ;  Will  Clark,  secretary ;  Frank  Holmes, 
treasurer;  Civile  Frow,  conductor,  and  Fred  Buchte.  chaplain. 

Among  the  past  noble  grands  are:  Charles  Smith,  A.  J.  Cole.  Arthur 
Alexander,  Harry  Alexander,  L.  Z.  Peirce.  Will  Clark.  E.  F.  Hewes, 
II.  F.  -lones.  E.  L.  Phillips,  Frank  Rowe,  M.  A.  Chandler.  Frank  Holmes. 
Guy  C.  Lemmers,  S.  Holder.  John  Cairns.  W.  S.  Stewart,  H.  B.  Begun 
and  W.   I.   Torboss. 

Guardian  Lodge  No.  60  was  organized  at  Woodstock  in  1849,  during 
the  month  of  December,  by  Grand  .Master  Isaac  J.  Wilson.  The  charter 
members  were  as  follows:  J.  H.  Johnson,  Alonzo  Piatt.  John  B.  Piatt, 
Phineas  W.  Piatt,  and  Hiram  Hathaway.  J.  II.  Johnson  was  the  first 
noble  grand  and  Alonzo  Piatt,  secretary.     The  first  meetings  were  held 


y%^z^Z^^/^ 


%$) 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  289 

in  a  hall  over  Donnelly's  store.  As  early  as  1852  this  lodge  had  as  many 
as  100  active  members.  But  interest,  for  some  reason  was  lost,  and  in 
1S.")7  the  lodge  gave  up  its  charter,  which  was,  however,  renewed  by  the 
present  lodge  in  1872.  Noble  Grand  J.  C.  Choate  re-organized  the  lodge, 
with  only  five  members.  In  1884  the  lodge  room,  records,  regalia  and 
other  property  was  lost  by  fire  February  22,  involving  a  heavy  loss  to 
both  lodge  and  encampment.     The  latter  was  organized  in  1883. 

The  present  membership  of  this  lodge  is  303,  and  its  home  since 
1907  has  been  in  Odd  Fellows  Hall,  a  large  three-story  brick  block  in 
which  the  post  office  is  now  located,  the  same  costing  $30,000  including 
the  lot.  Prior  to  that  date  it  had  been  in  Joslyn  building  until  burned 
out.  This  made  the  third  disastrous  fire  to  visit  the  Odd  Fellows' 
lodge  rooms  in  Woodstock,  each  time  it  lost  most  of  the  valuable  records. 
The  present  officers  are :  G.  F.  Burnstedt,  noble  grand ;  W.  15.  Brown, 
vice  grand;  A.  E.  Erickson,  recording  secretary;  E.  A.  Gregory,  finan- 
cial secretary. 

ENCAMPMENT 

Besides  the  Subordinate  lodge  the  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  here  have 
an  Encampment  and  the  only  Canton  within  McHenry  County,  has  a 
membership  of  about  151.  The  Canton,  organized  January  19,  1916,  has 
a  membership  of  forty-two.  Its  officers  at  first  were:  T.  B.  Merwin, 
captain  ;  Charles  P.  Caldwell,  lieutenant:  A.  II.  Hill,  ensign. 

REBEKAHS 

Crystal  Lake  Lodge  No.  784  was  organized  October  15,  1914,  and 
was  instituted  by  Elgin  Rebekah  Lodge,  and  when  one  year  old  had  a 
membership  of  one  hundred.  The  first  officers  were  as  follows :  Gertrude 
Barber,  noble  grand ;  Anna  Gray,  vice  grand ;  Etta  Convers,  recording 
secretaiy;  Alice  Cole,  treasurer;  and  Isabella  King,  chaplain. 

The  list  of  past  noble  grands  is  as  follows :  Gertrude  Barber,  Anna 
Graj',  Ella  Bryant,  Alice  Cole,  Lillian  Cox,  Dora  Messenger,  Grace 
Howell,  Gertrude  Bryant,  Hattie  Mair.  The  present  officers  are  as  fol- 
lows :  Ada  Walkuk,  noble  grand ;  Addie  Bold,  vice  grand ;  Jane  Can- 
non, recording  secretary;  Josephine  Nelson,  financial  secretary;  Em- 
ma   Peterson,    conductress.      The    present    membership    is    fifty-seven. 

The  order  has  its  hall  accommodation  with  the  brother  Odd  Fellows. 
There  is  also  a  degree  staff  for  putting  on  their  own  work  and  an 
installing  team. 


300  HISTORY  OP   McHENRY  COUNTY 

Crystal  Lake  Lodge  No.  793  was  instituted  March  29,  1916,  by 
Flora  Smythe  of  Elgin,  111.,  Fox  River  Lodge  putting  on  the  degree 
work  for  the  seventy-two  charter  members  namely:  E.  ■).  King,  P.  K. 
Hunt.  Q.  .1.  Garrison,  E.  G.  Mathews,  A.  W.  .Mink.  C.  II.  Paine,  Awry 
Holmes.  R.  11.  Grantham,  .1.  Horwitz,  11.  Steinback,  J.  D.  Howell.  Claude 
Mathews,  Louis  Pinnow,  Prank  Mathews,  Ethel  Rowley,  Mayme 
Huffman,  .Minnie  Nelson,  Rose  Sturbans,  Vera  Shales,  G.  II. 
Dike.  .Mae  Dike.  Lena  Peterson,  Luna  Mentch,  Lola  Mentch,  .Martha 
Osgood,  Julius  Brown,  Barbara  Smith.  \Y.  I).  Marshall,  Ella  Wilson, 
Fannie  Pederson,  Mabel  Gray,  Mary  Wingate,  Franc  Dye,  E.  M.  Dyr, 
Clara  Wilson.  E.  Pinnow,  Louis  Pinnow,  Jr.,  Caroline  Henk,  John 
Smith,  J.  A.  Peterson,  Harry  Mathews,  Phillip  Huffman,  Theressa  Huff- 
man, Perdetta  Mink.  Anna  Shuman,  .Mary  Hanson,  Minnie  Steinback, 
Lena  Holmes,  Nellie  Grantham,  E.  Pinnow,  Si\,  Hildah  Pinnow,  Clara 
Frederik.  Carrie  Miller,  Anna  Mathews.  .Margaret  Hanson,  J.  R.  Mc- 
Whorten,  E.  0.  Rowley,  Dan  Brandt,  R.  F.  Gray,  Isabelle  King,  Ella 
Hunt,  Emma  Gerlaek,  Elsie  McWhorter,  Anna  Gray,  Flora  Paine  and 
Minnie  Burton. 

The  elective  officers  were:  Sadie  Garrison,  Noble  Grand;  Perdetta 
Mink,  vice  grand:  Carrie  Miller,  recording  secretary;  Minnie  Nelson, 
financial  secretary:  and  Ella  Hunt,  treasurer. 

The  past  noble  grands  have  been:  Sadie  Garrison,  Perdetta  Mink. 
Minnie  Nelson,  Minnie  Steinback  and  Ethel  Rowley. 

The  principal  duty  of  Crystal  Lake  Lodge  is  to  help  the  brothers 
and  sisters  when  in  trouble  and  need,  and  to  extend  sympathy  to  the 
bereaved.  Each  year  the  lodge  sends  goodly  amounts  of  money  to  the 
Old  Folk's  Home  at  Mattoon,  as  well  as  to  the  Children's  Home  at 
Lincoln.  III.  During  the  recent  World  War,  the  lodge  gave  an  enter- 
tainment and  social,  the  proceeds  of  which  were  equally  divided  between 
the  Rebekah  Ambulance  Fund  and  the  local  Red  Cross.  The  total  proceeds 
of  this  social  was  $90.  The  Rebekah  Sisters  met  each  alternate  Friday  and 
sewed  for  the  Belgian  Relief,  and  knitted  for  the  soldiers.  A  large 
number  of  hospital  shirts  were  also  made.  Crystal  Lake  Lodge  had 
eight  brothers  in  the  service.  They  were;  Paul  Roeselle.  served  with  the 
famous  Black  Hawk  division  in  France;  .Mark  Redmond,  enlisted  at  the 
outbreak  of  the  war  and  became  a  member  of  the  129th  Infantry, 
serving  near  Luxemburg  with  the  Army  of  Occupation;  Harry  Mathews, 
James  Howell:  Arthur  Ilarnden.  served  in  Siberia;  Rev.  Kellogg,  Chap- 
lain, was  in  France;  Sture  Pierson  was  in  France;  J.  C.  Jolly  was  also 
in  France. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  301 

The  lodge  thinks  very  highly  of  their  patriotic  brothers,  and  a  record 
of  their  comings  and  goings  was  kept. 

The  present  officers  are  as  follows:  Mildred  Babcock,  noble  grand; 
Christena  Grantham,  vice  grand;  Alta  Nish,  recording  secretary. 

On  January  11th,  1919,  the  lodge  moved  into  its  hall  in  the  new 
Odd  Fellows  building,  located  on  Railroad  street.  It,  is  thoroughly 
modern  and  a  great  credit  to  the  fraternity  of  "three  links."  The 
present  membership  is  157. 

Harvard  Lodge  No.  795  was  organized  May  19,  1916,  by  Special 
Deputy  Grand  Master  Ida  E.  G.  Sherman  of  Chicago,  assisted  by 
Degree  Team  from  Woodstock  Rebekah  Lodge  No.  205.  The  charter 
members  were:  George  B.  Adams,  Bert  R.  Cone,  Otto  Fiek,  H.  B.  Kline, 
H.  W.  Eastman,  William  Sweatman,  II.  J.  Rolls,  A.  M.  Dullam,  Fred 
R,  Goddard,  F.  A'.  Clark,  Peter  T.  Rowe,  Walter  Johnson,  Carl  E. 
Wittmus,  William  J.  Vierek,  Walter  F.  Searle,  Frank  A.  Scott,  Abner 
McWithey,  Leslie  Douglas,  Herman  Frederidh,  William  A.  Dilley, 
Nellie  Cone,  Bertha  Fiek,  May  Kline,  Abbie  Price,  Bessie  Searle,  Alice 
Kicskowski,  Ida  L.  Kolls,  Olga  0.  Kieskowski,  Kate  Huckstadt,  Jessie 
Sweatman,  Gertrude  Dullam,  Emma  Adams,  Lula  Clark,  Etta  E.  Rowe, 
Alice  Johnson. 

The  membership  is  117.  The  Past  Noble  Grands  have  been:  Mary 
Kline,  Gertrude  Dullam,  Jessie  Sweatman,  Emma  Adams,  Jessie  Shepard, 
Lyclia  Talone.  The  present  officials  are :  Ida  Kolls,  noble  grand ;  Grace 
Rodd,  vice  grand;  Jessie  Sweatman,  recording  secretary;  Gertrude 
Dullam,  financial  secretary;  Nellie  Betzer,  treasurer.  The  lodge  leases 
its  hall  rights  of  the  Odd  Fellows  Order. 

KNIGHTS  OF  PYTHIAS 

Kishwaukee  Lodge  at  Marengo,  was  organized  October  14,  1909,  by 
Walter  Hays.  It  now  has  a  membership  of  eighteen.  The  present 
officers  are:  Herman  Abraham,  chancellor  commander;  Charles  Higbee, 
vice  chancellor;  D.  E.  Erbaugh,  prelate;  B.  O.  Mead,  keeper  of  records 
and  seals. 

THE  MODERN  WOODMEN  OF  AMERICA 

« 

Piskasaw  Camp  No.  865  was  organized  at  the  village  of  Chemung, 
March  13,  1889,  and  had  as  its  charter  members:     F.  A.  Bosworth,  W 


302  HISTORY  OF  McHENEY  COUNTY 

J.  Barth,  J.  Chilson,  "William  Dawson,  0.  A.  Hill,  .T.  \V.  Lampart, 
Robert  Myriek,  J.  J.  .Marvin,  G.  J.  Sinderson,  J.  \V.  Eing  and  II.  II. 
Ladd,  Tlu'  present  membership  is  fifty-two.  The  presenl  elective 
officers  are:  .7.  R.  Dawson,  Consul;  John  Eaire,  advisor;  Ray  Bosworth, 
banker;  John  I!.  Beek,  clerk;  Henry  .Junes,  escort;  Ernesl  Palmer, 
watchman  ;  Don  Shufeldt,  sen!  inel. 

When  this  cam])  was  first  instituted,  a  pari  of  the  officers  were: 
.1.  .1.  Marvin,  consul;  Clerk.  J.  W.  Lampart;  escort.  (!.  -I.  Sinderson, 
ami  J.  W.  King,  banker.  The  camp  was  unfortunate  in  having  its  hall 
with  all  its  valuable  records  burned.  This  tire  occurred  in  1914.  The 
property  of  the  order  at  this  point  is  now  in  charge  of  the  following 
trustees:    William  Douglas,  J.  J.  Kennedy  and  H.  M.  Esmond. 

RincEFiELD  Camp  No.  7o9  was  organized  at  the  village  of  Ridgefield, 
November  (i.  1888,  by  J.  II.  Fulton.  The  charter  members  were:  G.  R. 
Truax.  P.  D.  Castle,  E.  Roderick,  Wiiliam  H.  Jones.  Ben  Throop, 
Delmer  Duffield,  L.  T.  Wade,  S.  M.  Simmons,  C.  E.  Lockwood,  J.  M. 
Harden  and  Clark  Jacobs.  The  present  membership  is  fifty-three.  They 
assemble  in  Hartman's  Hall.  The  present  officers  are:  Ira  Burdick, 
venerable  consul ;  Frank  Wilkns,  worthy  advisor;  A.  H.  Skinner,  banker; 
H.  I).  Kinlans.  clerk  ;  S.  A.  Merchant,  escort ;  Erland  Burman,  watchman  ; 
S.  Reed,  sentry. 

Richmond  Camp  No.  1268  was  organized,  November  26,  1886,  with 
charter  members  as  follows:  L.  B.  Rice,  L.  W.  Howe,  C  S.  Miller, 
E.  R.  Bennett,  E.  W.  Weeks,  William  Besteder,  C.  N.  Culver,  W.  W. 
Bogart,  J.  II.  Alexander,  C.  F.  Smith,  Robert  Hunter,  H.  J.  Christian. 

This  camp  now  enjoys  a  membership  of  seventy-eight.  They  as- 
semble in  Osmond's  Hall.  The  present  officers  are:  J.  T.  Bower,  vener- 
able consul;  George  A.  Osmond,  banker;  R.  F.  Parsons,  worthy  advisor; 
H.  L.  Chevillon,  clerk;  Fred  Arp,  escort;  C.  II.  Beck,  watchman;  II.  II. 
Reed,  sentry ;  and  W.  E.  Foster,  physician. 

Ringwood  Camp  No.  597  was  organized  May  9,  1888,  with  charter 
members  as  follows:  James  M.  Carr,  E.  J.  Hopper,  C.  N.  Thompson, 
Ed.  Dates,  John  Pint,  C.  H.  Stephenson,  J.  W.  Gi-inoldby,  R.  D.  Carr. 
The  first  officers  were  as  follows:  E.  J.  Hopper,  venerable  consul; 
J.  W.  Grinoldby,  worthy  advisor;  Ed.  Dates,  clerk;  C.  N.  Thompson, 
banker;  C.  II.  Stephenson,  escort:  E.  J.  Hopper,  watchman;  John  Pint, 
sentry.     The  present  membership  of  this  camp  is  seventy-three.     They 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  303 

assemble  at  the  Modem  Woodmen  Hall  in  Ringwood.  For  the  past  ten 
years  the  following  have  been  in  office :  E.  J.  Hopper,  venerable  consul ; 
J.  V.  Buckland,  banker ;  C.  W.  Harrison,  clerk. 

The  presiding  officers  have  been :  James  M.  Carr,  1888-93 ;  C.  W. 
Harrison,    1893-1908;  J.  L.  Conway,  1908-09:  E.  J.  Hopper,  1909-1921. 

Lone  Tree  Camp  No.  195  was  organized  at  the  village  of  Hebron, 
.May  7,  1886,  with  charter  members  as  follows:  Henry  Earle,  E.  L. 
Herrick,  Herman  Ilonson,  N.  B.  Manor,  E.  E.  Taylor,  John  Reynolds, 
P.  N.  Torrance.     The  membership  is  seventy-one. 

W.  E.  Wire  is  venerable  consul  and  E.  A.  Mead,  clerk. 

Valley  Camp  No.  97  was  organized  at  West  McHenry,  December 
31,  1885,  with  charter  members  as  follows:  A.  S.  Childs,  John  Evanson, 
H.  H.  King,  F.  A.  Parker,  Freeman  Petley,  I.  N.  Mead,  H.  E.  Colby, 
C.  A.  Hutson,  H.  C.  Mead,  Will  H.  Mead,  Jacob  Hetzel,  E.  J.  Handy. 
The  camp  has  a  membership  of  121. 

The  past  presiding  officers  are  as  follows:  H.  C.  Mead,  J.  Van  Slykc, 
C.  C.  Colby,  Robert  Howard,  W.  P.  Stevens,  T.  P.  Walsh,  J.  H.  Kimball, 
Charles  L.  Page,  W.  D.  Wentworth,  E.  E.  Bassett,  Joseph  C.  Holly, 
John  Stoffel,  A.  M.  Brown,  Alford  H.  Ponse,  James  N.  Sayler.  The 
following  are  the  present  officials:  W.  J.  Welch,  vice  consul;  James 
N.  Sayler,  past  consul;  Frank  Thurhoell,  Sr.,  advisor;'  P.  M.  Joslen, 
banker;  E.  E.  Bassett,  clerk;  R.  Gehamberlin,  escort;  M.  A.  Conway, 
watchman;  Walter  Warner,  sentry;  Drs.  D.  G.  Wells,  A.  F.  Mueller, 
and  A.  I.  Froehlick,  physicians;  John  W.  Schaffer,  A.  M.  Brown  and 
John  Stoffel,  trustees. 

Boxwood  Camp  No.  86  was  organized  at  Harvard  March  27,  1885, 
by  S.  L.  Lincoln.  The  charter  members  were  as  follows :  L.  J.  Camron, 
Francis  M.  Drake,  John  Foley,  Charles  Goddard,  H.  Gray,  T.  Hallisey, 
S.  L.  Lincoln,  A.  Parlet,  F.  M.  Martin,  George  W.  Parmely,  R.  E. 
Tooker,  M.  M.  McMahon,  J.  C.  Sorenson,  O.  Carpenter,  T.  Condon,  II. 
Senger,  J.  B.  Stevens,  0.  Powers,  W.  L.  Collins,  E.  C.  Hammond,  M. 
Howard,  M.  A.  F.  Ottman,  Dr.  Cole  and  C.  H.  Adams.  The  lodge  now 
has  a  membership  of  209.  Its  first  officers  were :  S.  L.  Lincoln,  consul ; 
H.  Gray,  advisor;  Dr.  Goddard,  banker;  Geroge  Parmely,  clerk.  The 
officers  now  serving  are:  Charles  Kath,  vice  consul;  William  Watson, 
worthy  advisor;  W.  A.  Dilley,  clerk;  and  F.  H.  Dobson,  banker. 

The  presiding  officers  have  been :  S.  L.  Lincoln,  W.  H.  Conway, 
F.  H.  Dobson,  J.  C.  Diever,  E.  C.  Hammond,  Ed  Smith,  J.  H.  Diener. 


304  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

\>.w  Tree  Camp  No.  574  was  organized  a  few  years  ago  at  Allien, 
and  now  enjoys  a  membership  of  sixty-two.  This  camp  lost  all  records 
in  a  fire  and  was  re-organized  in  1918.  The  present  officers  are:  W. 
]>.  Thompson,  consul;  E.  ('.  Hammond,  advisor,  N.  B.  Clawson,  banker; 
T.  0.  Bungard,  clerk, 

ROYAL  NEIGHBORS  OP  AMERICA 

This  order  is  the  Woman's  Auxiliary  of  the  .Modern  Woodmen  of 
America,  and  has  several  Camps  in  this  county. 

BOXWOOD  Camp  No.  298,  at  Harvard,  was  organized  in  1896  by  Mary 
A.  Scott.  The  first  officers  were:  Hattie  Hancock,  oracle;  .Mary  A. 
Scott,  vice  oracle;  Clara  Stedge,  recorder;  and  .Mary  Powers,  receiver. 

The  present  membership  is  289.  The  following  have  served  as  Oracles 
at  this  point:  Hattie  Hancock,  three  years;  .Mary  Scott  Lanning, 
eighteen  years;  Mabel  A.  Borchvell  for  four  years  and  is  still  in  office. 
Matie  E.  Stafford  is  the  recorder.  This  order  has  lodges  in  nearly 
every  place  the  Woodmen  have  lodges  in  this  county. 

Fox  River  Valley  Camp  was  organized  at  West  McHenry  in  April, 
1906,  with  charter  members  as  follows:  Eli  B.  Brink,  Alfred  M.  Brown, 
Dr.  Harry  Beebe,  Anna  Byrd,  Polly  Brink,  Bernice  Kimball,  Henry  C. 
Mead,  Anna  Mollohan,  Amy  L.  Mead,  Laura  Xellis,  Martha  Page,  Alice 
Simpson,  Nina  Sherman,  Benson  Sherman,  Etta  E.  Wattles,  D.  Went- 
worth,  D.  G.  Nellis,  A.  Matthews,  Calla  Loomis.  It  now  has  a  member- 
ship of  94.  The  past  presiding  officers  are:  Anna  Byrd,  Agnes  Went- 
worth,  Etta  E.  Wattles,  Cora  Bassett,  Laura  Nellis,  Etta  E.  Wattles. 

Mlverva  Spring  Camp  was  organized  at  Cary,  February  4,  1896. 
It  was  formed  by  Mrs.  B.  Prickett  of  Summit  Camp.  The  charter 
members  consisted  of  twenty-two  ladies  and  eleven  Woodmen  brothers. 
There  are  nineteen  beneficial  members  and  one  social  member.  The 
present  members  are:  Nellie  Grantham,  oracle;  Julia  Brown,  reeoi'der; 
Lila  Mentch,  receiver;  Nettie  Trout,  chancellor;  Martha  Osgood,  marshal ; 
Sophronia  Lindsey  and  Amy  Rowsen,  sentinels. 

Progressive  Camp  No.  5,300  was  organized  at  Woodstock  April  1, 
1908,  by  District  Deputy  Minnie  Dillon.  The  charter  members  were  as 
follows:  Lawrence  Gillispie.  Rachael  Gillispie,  C.  A.  Lammers,  Alice 
Lemmers,  Ellen  Jacobs,  Emma  Joorfritz,  William  Rushton,  Ella  Hakes, 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  305 

Anna  Liehty,  William  M.  Liehty.  Blanche  Dietz,  Beatrice  Dewey,  Harry 
Dewey,  Mary  Gaulke,  Clara  Wicks,  Lillian  Rose,  Lewis  Dean,  H.  T. 
Brown,  Rosa  Brown,  E.  E.  Stevens,  Lon  Stevens,  Lizzie  Walson,  Clyde 
Miner,  May  Miner,  Prank.  Heine  and  Reka  Waller. 

The  first  officers  were:  Past  oracle,  William  Liehty;  oracle,  Ellen 
Jacobs ;  vice  oracle,  Rosa  Brown ;  chancellor,  Ella  Hakes ;  recorder, 
Alice  Lemmers ;  receiver,  Anna  Liehty ;  marshal,  Emma  Joorfritz ;  inner 
sentinel,  Lewis  Dean;  and  outer  sentinel,  William  Rushton.  The  past 
presiding-  officers  have  been:  Ellen  Jacobs,  Niobe  Griffiths,  Dora  Johns- 
ton, William  Liehty.  The  present  officers  are :  Past  oracle,  Deborah 
Ilaldeman;  oracle,  Brookie  Fosdick;  vice  oracle,  Elsie  Smith;  chancellor, 
Lovina  Thomas ;  recorder,  Jennie  Ellsworth ;  receiver,  Mary  Baker. 

The  membership  of  this  prosperous  camp  of  Royal  Neighbors  is  213. 

MYSTIC  WORKERS  OF  THE  WORLD 

Harvard  Lodge  No.  21  was  organized  April  4,  1899  by  Joanna  E. 
Downes  and  commenced  with  charter  members  as  follows :  William 
Bombard,  Pearl  Bombard,  Edwin  Briekley,  Sarah  Brickley,  William 
Brickley,  Cora  Butts,  Edgar  Butts,  Mary  Burk,  Patrick  Burk,  James 
Burk,  Walter  Bowman,  Albert  Brown,  Michael  Breen,  William  Budde, 
Charles  Cramer,  Celia  Donovan,  George  Diggins,  Ernest  Diggins,  Carrie 
Diggins,  Judson  Davis,  Catherine  Donovan,  Herbert  Emerson,  Frank 
Ellis,  Otto  Fick,  Bertha  Fick,  Julia  Gleason,  August  Hochrath,  Albert 
Hammerstead,  William  Jenkins,  Mary  Jenkins,  Joseph  Jones,  Henrietta 
Kiskoski,  Henry  Lembsky,  Lewis  Leverenz,  Mathew  McRoberts,  Mar- 
garet MeCabe,  Rose  McGee,  William  Maguire,  Emma  Ottman,  Edward 
O'Brien,  James  Phinney,  Jennie  Phinney,  August  Rogers,  Melvin  Smith, 
John  Sweeney,  Kate  Sullivan,  Nellie  Sullivan,  Herman  Stroede,  John 
Waters,  Daniel  Waters,  Kate  Waters  and  Riley  Whitmarsh.  There  are 
now  471  adult  and  thirteen  juvenile  members  in  this  nourishing  bene- 
ficiary lodge.    They  meet  in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall. 

Their  elective  officers  included  these:  Joanna  E.  Downes,  prefect; 
Earl  Dowens,  moderator;  John  A.  Sweeney,  banker;  Ernest  Downes, 
secretary.  The  officers  now  serving  are:  John  Dacy,  prefect;  Robert 
Kolls,  monitor ;  Agnes  Sweeney,  secretary ;  Margaret  Hayden,  banker ; 
Cora  Goodwish,  marshal ;  George  Jones,  warder ;  Mary  Hubble,  sentinel : 
Charles  Helmke  and  Anna  Beherns,  supervisors.  The  past  presiding 
officers  have  been:  Joanna  E.  Downes,  Catherine  Nihan,  Catherine 
Lyons,  Frances  Powers. 


306  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Nunda  Lodge  382  was  instituted  at  <  Irystal  Lake,  December  20,  1900, 
by  Worthy  Downes  of  Harvard.  The  charter  members  were  as  follows : 
J.  P.  Sughrua,  Mary  Sughrua,  Charles  Klilier,  Herman  Freye,  Ilattie 
Preye,  .Mary  Klilier.  Dr.  II.  D.  Hull,  Harrison  Sargeant,  Nellie  Sar- 
geant,  Charles  Vermilya,  Louisa  Vennilya,  Amelia  Sehultz,  Fred  Schultz, 
Cora  E.  Dickinson,  Charles  L.  Curphey,  Anna  Curphey,  Gillard  Frost, 
Josehena  Westphal,  Mary  Buford,  Edwin  Bissell,  Floyd  Terwilliger, 
and  Lena  Frost. 

The  present  officers  are  as  follows:  J.  D.  Blackmail,  prefect;  Esther 
Allen,  monitor;  Alice  Cole,  secretary;  Lunn  Richards,  banker;  Lenore 
Schneider,  marshal;  J.  P.  Sughrua,  warder;  George  Bryant,  sentinel.  • 

The  lodge  now  has  a  membership  of  190.  They  assemble  at  Wood- 
man Hall  at  Crystal  Lake.  The  presiding  officers  have  been  inclusive 
of  these  to  date:  J.  P.  Sughrua,  who  was  prefect  for  thirteen  years 
without  a  break,  and  is  known  as  "Old  Stand-by,"  Earl  Bryant, 
E.  M.  Bissell,  Dr.  H.  D.  Hull,  and  John  Mair. 

The  Juvenile  Department  is  rapidly  growing  in  numbers.  Dancing 
and  refreshments  frequently  occur  at  their  meetings  which  are  held  the 
first  Thursday  in  every  month. 

Prosperity  Lodge  No.  1030  was  organized  April  15,  1911,  with  char- 
ter members  as  follows:  Prefect,  Carlton  D.  Ross;  monitor,  Helena  M. 
Stoffel ;  secretary,  Adah  A.  Casey ;  banker,  John  I.  Sutton ;  physician, 
Dr.  Wells ;  marshal,  Florence  Howe ;  warder,  Phillip  Aylwood ;  sentinel, 
Glenn  Barker;  supervisors,  Katheryn  Heiner,  Frank  E.  Cobb  and  Rose 
Justen. 

The  present  membership  is  438.  A.  W.  Hill  is  the  prefect,  and  Nino 
Conn  is  secretary. 

KNIGHTS  OF  COLUMBUS 

Mc  Henry  Council  No.  1288  was  organized  in  1908,  at  the  village 
of  McHenry  and  now  enjoys  a  membership  of  320.  The  present  officers 
include :  Grand  knight,  E.  R.  McGee ;  deputy  grand  knight,  J.  H.  Miller ; 
secretary,  M.  P.  Freund. 

The  following  have  served  as  presiding  officers:  Joseph  W.  Freund. 
C.  W.  Stenger,  M.  J.  Walsh,  Thomas  Bolger,  Walter  J.  Walsh,  Casper 
Bickler,  Ed.  L.  Hayes  and  A.  E.  Nye,  Casper  M.  Bickler. 

Harvard  Council  No.  1204  was  organized  February  24,  1907,  with 
charter  members  as  follows:     Thomas   C.   Carey,  R.   J.   Starr,   A.   C. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  307 

Strain,  P.  T.  Brickley,  B.  P.  Brickley,  J.  P.  Burke,  Frank  Clarke,  Bert 
Clarke,  F.  J.  Condon,  J.  W.  Conway,  J.  J.  Crowley,  E.  J.  Field,  J.  J. 
Flanneiy,  J.  Googley,  B.  J.  Gregory,  C.  S.  Hanson,  W.  J.  Hereley,  P.  H. 
Howard,  J.  M.  Iserman,  C.  P.  Regan,  F.  J.  Shepard,  W.  J.  Sheahau,  F. 
Sheahan,  R.  V.  Sloey,  E.  C.  Strain,  W.  T.  Strain,  J.  H.  Vrooman,  W.  H. 
Ashley,  F.  Behringer,  E.  M.  Brickley,  W.  H.  Boyle,  R.  P.  Boodle,  W.  H. 
Sweeney,  D.  B.  Waters,  John  Clarke,  Thomas  Burke,  W.  C.  Crowley,  W. 
H.  Daly,  E.  J.  Dolau,  W.  E.  Doyle,  E.  N.  Fernholz,  G.  Fitzgerald,  M.  F. 
Haley,  P.  J.  Hayes,  F.  Hereley,  M.  Hereley,  C.  A.  Madden,  G.  F.  Massey, 
J.  J.  McGuire,  A.  J.  McCarthy,  C.  E.  McCarthy,  H.  E.  Munger,  T.  J. 
Murphy,  M.  J.  Nolan,  John  T.  O'Brien,  William  H.  Phillips,  Richard 
Phalen,  J.  P.  O'Connor,  M.  B.  O'Connor,  Joseph  D.  O'Brien,  John  W. 
Phalen,  W.  H.  Powers,  T.  G.  Ruffle,  M.  P.  Sullivan,  Dan  Sullivan,  J. 
A.  Sweeney,  M.  J.  Breen,  D.  T.  Phalen.  The  present  total  number  of 
members  is  about  206.  The  total  amount  raised  for  the  war  fund  by 
Harvard  Council  of  K.  of  C.  was  $2,757. 

The  following  have  served  as  presiding  officers  since  the  organization 
of  the  council  in  1907:  A.  C.  Strain,  1907-08;  Thomas  C.  Carey,  1908- 
13;  John  P.  O'Connor,  1913-15;  James  P.  Burke,  1915-17;  John  T. 
O'Brien,  1917-20. 

ELKS 

Woodstock  Lodge  No.  1043  was  organized  October  24,  1906,  with 
forty-three  charter  members.  At  present  the  lodge  has  a  membership 
of  400.  The  original  officers  were  as  follows :  John  C.  Donnelly,  exalted 
ruler ;  John  J.  Cooney,  esteemed  leading  knight ;  J.  P.  Alt,  esteemed 
loyal  knight ;  V.  E.  Brown,  esteemed  lecturing  knight ;  George  W. 
Lemmers,  secretary;  R.  A.  Pratt,  treasurer;  Fred  Derrenberger,  tyler; 
Garry  R.  Austin,  trustee  (one  year)  ;  D.  J.  Omstead,  trustee  (two  years)  ; 
George  A.  Darmer,  trustee  (three  years). 

The  order  first  met  in  Waverly  Hall  on  Main  street  and  from  there 
moved  to  its  present  home  in  Odd  Fellows'  Building. 

The  chief  presiding  officers  have  been :  John  C.  Donnelly,  E.  C. 
Jewett,  George.  A.  Cutteridge,  Dell  J.  Omstead,  E.  D.  Hannaford, 
C.  C.  Harting,  J.  E.  Guy,  D.  J.  Omstead,  J.  C.  Rowe,  J.  L. 
Brown,  George  W.  Lemmers,  C.  F.  Baccus.  T.  L.  Griffing  is  the  pres- 
ent exalted  ruler;  and  Edwin  M.  Kemerling  is  the  present  secretary. 


CHAPTER  XX 
PUBLIC  LIBRARIES 
Br  Ida  L.  Gehrig 

WOODSTOCK  LIBRARY — MAREXGO  LIBRARY — DELOS  F.  DIGGIXS  LIBRARY. 

In  a  number  of  the  school  districts  in  McHenry  County,  there  have 
been  for  many  years,  small  school  libraries,  some  even  with  quite  a  goodly 
number  of  valuable  books.  The  county  has  a  fair  law  library  for  the  use 
of  practicing  attorneys,  and  the  high  schools  of  the  county  have  excellent 
collections  of  books,  but  the  three  real  public  libraries,  well  established, 
and  now  supported  by  a  tax  or  endowment  fund,  are  those  located  at 
Woodstock,  Harvard  and  Marengo.  To  the  ladies  of  these  communities 
must  be  given  chief  praise  for  the  hard  work  they  performed  during  for- 
mer years,  trying  to  get  together  a  suitable  collection  of  library  books. 
7ear  after  year  this  work  went  forward,  until  finally  the  public  generally 
took  an  interest,  and  as  a  result  these  public  libraries  were  established. 

WOODSTOCK    PUBLIC    LIBRARY 

The  Wnodstock  library  had  its  origin  some  time  in  1856,  when  through 
the  efforts  of  a  number  of  citizens  in  and  near  Woodstock  contributions 
of  books  were  made,  and  money  secured  from  Judge  Church,  Doctor 
Perry.  W.  Murphy,  C.  H.  Russell,  Elmer  Lamb,  E.  E.  Richards,  R.  G. 
Shryver,  M.  P.  Irving,  J.  A.  Parrish  and  others,  and  in  this  way  was 
started  a  library.  This  library  was  not  free  to  the  public,  but  was  kept 
up  by  subscription  for  many  years.  When  the  Woodstock  Literary  and 
Library  Association  was  formed,  December  10,  1877,  it  had  as  one  of  its 
aims  the  accumulation  and  maintenance  of  a  library  and  the  books  left 
in  the  old  library  collection  were  put  with  the  new  ones.  These  books 
were  sometimes  kept  in  stores,  but  were  free  only  to  members  of  the  club 
or  association;  others  paid  $1  a  year,  or  ten  cents  a  book,  for  their  use. 

On  March  ■">.  1880.  a  new  bydaw  was  added  providing  for  the  election 
of  a  librarian  and  A.  R.  Murphy  was  the  first  one  to  hold  that  office.    In 

308 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  309 

a  report  made  by  him  in  188],  he  gave  the  number  of  books  on  hand  as 
148.  In  May,  1882,  the  books  owned  by  the  Young  Men's  Association 
were  purchased  for  $20.  In  1886  A.  S.  Wright,  the  druggist,  was  made 
Mr.  Murphy  \s  successor  and  the  library  was  removed  to  the  Wright  drug 
store  on  the  south  side  of  the  square,  where  a  room  was  provided.  For 
the  year  1887  he  reported  the  number  of  volumes  to  be  678.  Verne 
Wright  succeeded  his  father  as  librarian  in  1888,  and  he  in  turn  was  fol- 
lowed in  1890  by  C.  D.  Parsons.  Through  these  years  the  Woodstock 
Library  Association  gradually  gathered  together  a  library  of  standard 
books  and  the  present  library  is  greatly  indebted  to  those  progressive  and 
intellectual  members  who  had  the  forethought  and  energy  to  build  as 
they  did.  Mrs.  Mary  Joslyn  and  J.  C.  Choate  were  especially  untiring 
and  inspiring  leaders. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  association,  held  June  23,  1890,  it  was  voted  to 
move  the  books  to  a  room  in  the  city  hall  and  January  26,  1891,  it  was 
decided  to  transfer  the  library  to  the  City  of  Woodstock,  to  be  the  nucleus 
of  the  Woodstock  Public  Library.  The  books  were  now  made  free  to  all 
the  people  residing  within  the  corporate  city.  The  mayor  and  council 
appointed  the  first  directors :  J.  C.  Choate,  L.  T.  Hoy,  C.  A.  Lemmers, 
A.  Dreyer,  Mrs.  Mary  R.  Joslyn,  Mrs.  Frank  Spitzer,  V.  S.  Lumley,  Dr. 
W.  C.  Cook,  and  Miss  Mary  F.  Murphy.  The  librarian  appointed  was 
Erastus  Richards,  who  was  followed  in  turn  by  II.  B.  Rogers  and  Miss 
Winifred  Hall  (now  Mrs.  C.  Curtis)  from  1893  to  July  10,  1911,  when 
the  present  librarian,  Lura  Wandrack  was  chosen.  On  the  evening  of 
March  12,  1814,  there  was  a  fire  in  the  city  hall  which  caused  the  total 
loss  of  1,906  books  and  necessitated  the  removal  of  the  library  to  the 
Rest  Room  in  the  courthouse  until  the  latter  part  of  May. 

The  library  reports  show  number  of  books  on  shelves  to  be  6,912. 
The  present  directors  are :  R.  C.  Kaufman,  J.  S.  Andrews.  Miss  Pauline 
McMannis.  .Mrs.  J.  R.  Kellogg,  Mrs.  J.  J.  Stafford,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Shipton, 
C.  R.  Belcher,  N.  A.  Sunderlin,  and  V.  S.  Lumley. 

MARENGO  PUBLIC  LIBRARY 

A  collection  of  books  were  left  to  the  city  of  Marengo  by  a  former 
resident,  Mrs.  M.  J.  Harrington,  for  the  purpose  of  starting  a  public 
library.  A  number  of  members  of  the  Woman's  Club  formed  a  Library 
Carnival  Aid  Society  to  finance  the  library  until  taken  over  as  a  city 
library  on  June  19,  1907.  A  room  was  rented  in  the  old  Green  homestead, 
but  later  the  books  were  removed  to  Doctor  Nutt's  office  building  where 


310  HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

the  library  remained  until  .May  1,  1917.  when  two  suites  of  rooms  in  the 
Community  Club  Building  became  the  home  of  the  library.  Miss  Mabel 
Fay  was  the  first  librarian  and  she  was  succeeded  by  Miss  Anna  Blair. 
The  present  librarian  is  Nellie  Fillmore 

This  library  has  38,000  volumes,  seventeen  magazines  and  papers  on 
the  reading  tables,  winch  are  accessible  to  any  one  in  Marengo  or  vicinity. 
The  library  is  supported  by  a  tax  levied  by  the  city.  The  present  trusters 
are:  Mrs.  C.  B.  Whittemore,  X.  V.  Woleben,  Mrs.  A.  W.  Kellcy.  .Mis. 
A.  A.  Crissey,  -Miss  Mildred  Burke,  J.  V.  Patterson,  E.  D.  Patrick  and 
C.  H.  Bremer. 

DELOS  P.  DIGGINS  LIBRARY  OF  HARVARD 

What  is  known  as  The  Delos  F.  Diggins  Library  in  the  city  of  Har- 
vard, was  first  established  through  the  generosity  of  Mr.  Delos  F.  Dig- 
gins, a  man  born  and  reared  in  this  community.  During  his  later  years. 
Mr.  Diggins  resided  in  Cadillac,  Michigan,  but  -wishing  to  be  remembered 
by  his  home  townspeople  he  gave  a  fund  sufficient  to  build  the  present 
beautiful  structure  situated  near  the  central  part  of  the  city;  also  plac- 
ing an  endowment  fund  in  the  care  of  library  trustees  whom  he  appointed 
.to  fill  that  position  for  their  lifetime  or  residence  in  Harvard.  In  case 
of  death  or  removal  from  the  city  of  any  of  the  trustees  the  vacancy  thus 
formed  was  to  be  filled  by  the  remaining  trustees.  Mr.  Diggins'  idea  in 
'having  one  continuous  board  of  trustees  was  principally  to  keep  the" 
library  affairs  strictly  free  from  politics. 

The  following  named  gentlemen  comprised  the  first  board  of  trustees 
of  the  library:  A.  B.  Diggins,  president;  R.  A.  Nugent,  vice  president: 
M.  F.  Walsh,  secretary:  F.  F.  Axtell,  treasurer:  and  H.  D.  Crumb,  W. 
I).  Hall,  and  James  Lake. 

On  May  7th,  1909,  the  library,  which  is  a  perfect  structure  with  all 
modern  appointments  and  conveniences  and  as  near  fireproof  as  a  build- 
ing can  well  be  constructed,  was  dedicated  to  the  public  with  appropriate 
exercises.  W.  II.  Ward,  of  Harvard,  111.,  was  the  contractor;  Mr.  Wat- 
terman,  of  Chicago,  was  the  architect. 

Miss  Elizabeth  E.  Wilson  was  the  first  librarian  appointed,  and  on 
the  second  day  of  August,  1909,  the  library  was  open  to  the  public  for  the 
issue  of  books  for  home  use.  The  collection  consisted  of  1,794  volumes 
on  the  shelves  ready  for  use.  The  first  annual  report  shows  a  book  cir- 
culation for  home  use,  11,627.  Subsequent  librarians  were  as  follows: 
.Miss  B.  Hamilton,  Mss  Cleo  Lichtenberger,  Miss  V.  K.  Gher.    In  Septem- 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  311 

ber,  1917,  Miss  I.  L.  Gehrig  was  appointed  librarian,  and  she  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  present  librarian,  Mrs.  I.  L.  G.  Dickson. 

One  of  the  notable  events  of  the  year  1917-18  was  the  reorganization 
of  the  library  according  to  more  modern  methods.  In  October,  1917, 
through  the  efforts  of  Miss  Anna  May  Price,  secretary  of  The  Illinois 
Library  Extension  Commission,  Miss  Marie  Hammond  and  the  librarian 
began  the  work  of  reclassifying  and  cataloguing  the  books  according  to 
the  decimal  classification  and  completed  the  work  in  February,  1918, 
and  the  valuable  dictionary  card  catalogue  for  public  use  was  placed  in 
the  delivery  room.  In  this  card  catalogue  are  entered  all  books  contained 
in  the  library  arranged  according  to  author,  title  and  subject. 

In  the  spring  of  1919,  at  a  Roosevelt  Memorial,  the  Womans  Club 
of  Harvard  presented  the  library  with  a  fine  etching  of  the  late  ex-presi- 
dent. Theodore  Roosevelt ;  Father  Lepper  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  Har- 
vard, 111.,  making  the  presentation  speech. 

The  present  board  of  trustees  are  as  follows :  R.  C.  Uecke,  president ; 
H.  D.  Crumb,  M.  F.  Walsh,  F.  F.  Axtell,  B.  B.  Bell,  W.  D.  Hall,  James 
Lake. 

The  first  tax  levy  appropriating  money  for  the  public  library  of  Har- 
vard was  passed  September  21,  1916,  when  the  sum  of  $900  was  given 
for  the  further  maintenance  of  the  library.  For  the  year  1917  the  same 
amount  was  received  and  since  then  the  appropriation  has  been  $1,000. 
This  annual  income,  together  with  the  interest  from  the  endowment  fund, 
maintains  the  library  in  a  fitting  manner. 

Following  board  of  directors  was  appointed  by  the  mayor  to  govern 
tlic  expenditures  of  the  city's  annual  appropriation;  six  of  the  board 
being  library  trustees:  B.  B.  Bell,  president;  Mrs.  A.  C.  McCarty,  Mrs. 
Robert  Hall,  F.  F.  Axtell,  H.  D.  Crumb,  W.  D.  Hall,  James  Lake,  Mrs.  H. 
A.  Towne,  M.  F.  Walsh. 

For  a  small  library,  there  is  a  strong  reference  collection,  which  has 
been  recently  strengthened  through  many  purchases  and  some  gifts.  The 
collection  of  bound  magazines  is  especially  valuable,  suitable  shelves  hav- 
ing been  built  for  them  in  the  main  reading  and  reference  room. 

The  reference  use  made  of  the  library  by  the  high  school  pupils  and 
general  public  has  been  wholly  satisfactory,  though  there  is  room  for 
still  greater  use  of  the  library  in  the  future.  The  juvenile  department 
has  been  materially  strengthened  by  the  purchase  of  many  books  and 
subscriptions  to  the  popular  and  scientific  magazines.     The  library  has 


312  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

the  permanent  loan  of  the  valuable  ami  most  attractive  collection  of  but- 
terflies owned  by  Mrs.  II.  A.  Towne. 

There  lias  always  lieen  a  hearty  cooperation  and  assistance  of  the 
prominent  clubs  of  Harvard  and  the  community  and  for  several  years  of 
•"The  Library  Carnival  Association."  There  are  6,900  volumes  on  the 
shelves. 


CHAPTER  XXI 

WOMAN'S  CLUBS 

By  Mrs.  W.  H.  Doolittle 

ALGONQUIN — CRYSTAL  LAKE HARVARD  CIVIC  ASSOCIATION — HARVARD  FORT- 
NIGHTLY— HARVARD  WOMEN'S  CLUB — HUNTLEY — LOTUS  COUNTRY  —  MA- 
RENGO  M 'HENRY      COUNTY     FEDERATION RICHMOND RUSH      CREEK 

SCHUMANN-SENECA   ASSOCIATION    OF    DOMESTIC   SCIENCE — WOODSTOCK. 

Until  recent  years  the  women  of  the  country  had  little  opportunity 
to  give  expression  to  their  individuality  outside  their  home  and  church 
circles.  Any  public  appearance  of  a  woman,  unless  she  were  an  actress 
or  singer,  was  discouraged,  and  the  present  desirable  freedom  of  the 
sex  with  relation  to  their  mental  development,  has  been  brought  about 
through  the  untiring  zeal  and  hard  work  of  the  pioneers  in  the  move- 
ment. Today,  small  is  the  community  that  does  not  have  one  or  more 
clubs  of  earnest,  sincere  women,  whose  efforts  are  concentrated  upon  not 
only  expanding  their  own  horizons,  but  the  education  of  others  to  bring 
them  to  a  similar  condition ;  the  betterment  of  civic  conditions ;  and  the 
inauguration  of  much  needed  reforms  of  all  kinds.  The  original 
prejudice  harbored  by  the  narrow-minded  against  these  clubs,  has  passed, 
being  wiped  out  by  the  record  made  by  these  organizations,  and  the  time 
is  not  far  distant  when  every  woman  of  any  intelligence  will  realize  that 
it  is  her  duty  to  herself,  her  family  and  her  community,  to  avail  herself 
of  the  privilege  of  club  membership. 

ALGONQUIN  WOMAN'S  CLUB 

The  Algonquin  Woman's  Club  was  organized  in  June,  1915,  with 
forty  members,  Mrs.  Whittemore  of  Marengo  aiding  in  the  organization. 
Mrs.  B.  C.  Getzelman,  who  was  also  very  active  in  securing  these  forty 
charter  members  and  organizing  them  into  a  club,  was  elected  the  club's 
first  president.  During  the  first  year  the  club  affiliated  with  the  county, 
district  and  state  organizations.    There  is  a  present  membership  of  fifty. 

313 


314  HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

The  club  motto  is:  "  Who  Btays  in  the  valley  never  gets  over  the  bill." 

Prom  October,  1915,  to  April,  1916,  the  Algonquin  Woman's  Club 
was  instrumental  in  securing  a  park  for  the  town.  The  members  of  the 
club  prepared  a  petition  asking  the  town  hoard  to  pureha.se  a  park  site. 
An  entertainment  course  given  by  the  International  Entertainment 
Bureau  was  sponsored  by  the  club.  The  McHenry  County  Federation 
meeting  was  held  at  the  Congregational  Church,  Algonquin,  May  6,  1916. 

During  the  summer  of  1916  the  elub  had  the  mineral  spring  at  the 
park  cemented,  and  also  had  a  cement  bench  made  at  the  park.  In  the 
fall  of  1917,  the  club  gave  a  children's  course  of  special  moving  pictures. 

During  the  period  of  the  World  War,  the  Algonquin  Woman's  Club 
was  active  in  the  Thrift  Stamp  campaigns,  the  Liberty  Loan  drives.  Red 
Cross  work  and  the  sale  of  Red  Cross  Seals. 

Flower  seeds  were  distributed  to  school  children  by  the  club  in  -Maw 
1918. 

Work  done  by  the  Home  Improvement  Club  was  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  Woman's  Club.  On  February  11,  1918,  the  Woman's  Club 
gave  a  cafeteria  supper.  It  sent  several  boxes  of  old  clothing,  toj  s, 
canned  fruit  and  apples  to  the  Home  for  Destitute  Children,  to  Erie 
Chapel  Institute,  Samaritan  House  Settlement  and  the  Daily  News 
Sanitarium.  The  elub  also  sent  contributions  to  the  Illinois  Cottage  at 
Park  Ridge,  the  Library  Extension  Fund,  Country  War  Fund,  Benefit 
Fund  for  Soldiers  and  Sailors  stationed  in  Illinois,  and  to  the  district 
work  of  the  state  federation. 

The  Philanthropy  and  Reform  department  in  April,  1918,  turned 
over  to  the  club  $25  to  start  a  library  fund. 

The  president  of  the  club  is  Miss  Ella  Kee. 

Mrs.  George  Keyes 

crystal  lake  woman' 's  cub 

The  first  Woman's  Club  at  Crystal  Lake  was  organized  May  26,  1914, 
although  previous  to  that  date  the  women  of  the  town  had  banded  them- 
selves together,  choosing  Mrs.  C.  L.  Teckler  as  president  of  the  organiza- 
tion which  was  known  as  the  Woman's  Voting  Club.  Their  chief  aim 
at  that  time  was  to  become  familiar  with  the  voting  system,  to  post  them- 
selves on  parliamentary  law,  and  matters  pertaining  to  town,  county  and 
state  work. 

Early  in  the  spring  of  1914,  the  elub  held  a  moek  election  at  the 
town  hall  and  nearly  every  woman  in  the  town  went  to  the  polls  and 


^ 


■ 


~&    'W   ?Yn^i^ 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  315 

voted  correctly.  This  paved  the  way  for  the  spring  election  at  which 
time  women  were  to  vote  on  the  question  of  local  option.  The  votes 
polled  by  the  women  placed  Crystal  Lake  in  the  dry  section  of  the  map. 
After  this  victory  was  gained,  it  was  suggested,  by  the  president  of  the 
voting  club,  that,  the  organization  merge  into  a  Woman's  Club  for  im- 
provement, and  broaden  their  lines  of  work,  which  met  with  the  approval 
of  all,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  draft  a  constitution  and 
by-laws. 

Sixty-eight  charter  members  were  enrolled,  and  the  following  officers 
were  elected :  Mrs.  Bertha  Dolle,  president ;  Mrs.  Ella  Freeman,  vice 
president;  Mrs.  Mae  Dike,  recording  secretary;  Miss  Edythe  Leach,  cor- 
responding secretary;  and  Mrs.  Carrie  Teckler,  treasurer.  During  1914 
and  1915  meetings  were  held  every  second  and  fourth  Tuesday  in  the 
month,  the  usual  summer  vacations  being  omitted.  Great  interest  con- 
tinued to  be  manifested,  and  at  the  end  of  the  year  1915,  the  club  had 
an  enrollment  of  ninety-four  members. 

The  lines  of  work  taken  up  by  the  club  have  been  various,  and  as 
many  similar  organizations,  the  members  have  worked  for  the  improve- 
ment of  their  town,  taking  up  the  cleaning  of  the  streets  and  alleys,  dis- 
posing of  rubbish  and  garbage,  placing  of  flowers  and  shrubs  in  the 
park  and  on  high  school  grounds,  making  annual  donations  to  the  public 
library,  establishing  a  charity  fund,  looking  after  those  in  need,  visiting 
the  Chicago  Tribune  Camp  at  Algonquin  and  donating  to  same,  send- 
ing barrels  of  clothing  and  groceries  to  the  Children's  Home  at  Wood- 
stock, contributing  $20  to  the  Girls'  Home  at  Park  Ridge,  observing 
National  Baby  Week,  giving  showers  to  the  Domestic  Science  room  at 
the  high  school,  and  sending  delegates  to  the  county,  district  and  state 
conventions. 

During  1917  and  1918  the  club  members  gave  a  large  portion  of  their 
time  to  the  Red  Cross  and  Council  of  Defense  work,  beside  selling  Lib- 
erty Bonds  and  War  Savings  Stamps.  During  the  past  five  years  the 
club  has  been  giving  fine  entertainments,  engaging  many  speakers  and 
artists  of  rare  ability.  Believing  that  education  and  thrift  go  hand  in 
hand  and  that  in  community  work  there  is  strength,  the  club  has  been 
working  to  establish  a  community  center  at  the  high  school. 

The  graduating  class  of  1919  of  the  high  school  has  given  the  school 
a  Motiograph  De  Luxe,  which  has  been  installed  in  the  gymnasium  by 
Superintendent  H.  A.  Dean,  of  the  Crystal  Lake  schools,  and  a  co- 
worker with  the  Woman's  Improvement  Club,  helping  to  build  a  solid 


316  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

foundation  on   which  the  rising  generation  may  stand   high  above  all 
that   is  worthless  and  unstable. 

The  club  is  looking  forward  to  many  community  gatherings  for  the 
purpose  of  enjoying  the  educational  and  government  films  which  are 
already  being  shown. 

Dr.  .Mary  King  has  been  engaged  by  the  club  to  examine  the  teeth 
of  the  grade  pupils,  and  send  a  chart  of  same  to  the  parents  for  inspec- 
tion. This  movement  in  connection  with  the  health  crusade  that  is 
awakening  so  much  interest  among  pupils  and  parents,  will  be  another 
step  forward  in  teaching  the  children  to  care  for  their  bodies  and  pre- 
serve their  health. 

The  Woman's  Improvement  Club  is  always  ready  to  take  up  new 
lines  of  work  that  will  be  beneficial  or  improve  the  town  and  build  rip 
the  country,  so  that  we  may  all  be  called  true  American  citizens. 

.Mrs.  Carrie  D.  Teckler, 

Crystal  Lake,  111. 

HARVARD    CIVIC   ASSOCIATION 

The  Harvard  Civic  Association  was  organized  April  i,  1906,  with 
the  following  officers:  Mrs.  J.  W.  Groesbeck,  president;  Mrs.  C.  W. 
Goddard,  secretary ;  and  Mrs.  H.  B.  Minier,  treasurer.  Several  vice 
presidents  were  appointed,  and  later  an  advisory  board  drew  into  line 
many  energetic  workers  from  all  sections  of  the  city. 

The  aim  of  the  organization  was  to  do  its  utmost  along  all  lines  bene- 
ficial to  the  city;  to  co-operate  with  the  mayor  and  city  council,  and 
the  then  recently  formed  Business  Men's  Association,  and  to  assist  in 
every  possible  wa\-  to  promote  the  welfare  of  Harvard. 

The  first  objective  of  the  club  was  "the  city  beautiful ;"  special  clean- 
liness of  the  home  and  home  surroundings  was  advocated ;  the  anti- 
spitting  ordinance  was  to  be  enforced;  a  general  paintup,  cleanup  and 
keep  clean  policy  was  to  be  undertaken,  and  always  Harvard  was  to 
be  "boosted." 

Every  woman  resident  above  the  age  of  sixteen  was  personally  in- 
vited to  join  the  club  and  take  an  active  interest  in  its  efforts.  No  mem- 
bership fee  was  imposed.  Funds  were  secured  as  needs  arose  by  various 
methods,  such  as  tag  days,  card  games,  food  sales,  which  latter  proved 
wonderfully  successful,  considerable  sums  being  secured  by  the  sales  of 
homemade  bread,  pies,  doughnuts,  cakes  and  other  homemade  bakery 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  317 

goods.  Also,  later,  movie  benefit  picture  shows  were  extremely  profit- 
able. 

For  our  first  cleanup  day  we  planned  a  grand  roundup  of  workers 
with  rakes  and  hoes  and  other  necessaiy  tools,  who  were  to  start  promptly 
at  nine  A.  M.,  when  all  bells  would  ring  and  whistles  blow.  And  such 
a  scurrying  and  cleaning  of  corners  was  never  before  seen  and  such  a 
merry  army  of  men  and  women,  boys  and  girls,  responded  as  made  a 
clean  Harvard  a  surety.  Papers  and  tin  cans  and  all  rubbish  in  the 
streets  were  raked  into  convenient  piles  and  later  teams  were  sent  to 
gather  up  and  cart  awajr  the  refuse.  The  alleys  presented  a  problem 
by  themselves,  and  as  we  had  no  laws  to  enforce  clean  alleys,  we  hired  a 
man  with  a  team  to  go  certain  daj-s  through  the  alleys  back  of  the  stores 
and  cart  away  all  collections  ready.  The  result  was  immediate  im- 
provement in  the  looks  of  the  alleys,  and  the  cleaning  out  of  spaces  that 
had  been  for  years  untouched,  besides  the  hauling  away  of  immense 
wagon  loads  every  week.  Later  this  work  led  to  the  city  garbage  col- 
lection system  which  has  been  very  successfully  carried  on  under  the 
supervision  of  the  city  health  officer  for  several  years,  and  incidentally, 
has  removed  to  a  remarkable  extent  that  deadly  pest,  the  house  fly,  thus 
proving  a  wonderful  gain  in  sanitation. 

As  early  as  1908  we  originated  a  plan  for  districting  our  city,  and 
appointed  chairmen  of  streets,  each  chairman  to  appoint  assistants,  who 
would  have  not  to  exceed  two  blocks  or  squares  under  her  supervision. 
In  this  simple  way,  every  house  could  be  quickly  reached  with  the  least 
effort  of  time  or  labor.  The  plan  commended  itself  in  many  ways.  It 
fostered  neighborhood  pride  and  spurred  to  individual  effort  and  brought 
about  splendid  results. 

At  the  early  meetings  considerable  study  and  discussion  were  car- 
ried on  relative  to  the  ornamental  planting  of  gardens  and  home  grounds, 
and  resulted  in 'an  enthusiastic  planting  of  flowers,  shrubs  and  vines, 
that  changed  the  city  as  if  by  magic.  Special  care  was  urged  in  the 
cutting  of  parkings  or  spaces  outside  the  sidewalks,  with  the  result  that 
a  wonderful  improvement  was  soon  seen,  the  grass  being  cut  way  to 
the  wheel  tracks  in  the  center  of  the  streets,  which  were  then  unpaved, 
producing  a  park  effect  which  was  extremely  effective  even  in  the  hum- 
blest neighborhoods,  no  unsightly  fringe  of  tall  grasses  and  unsightly 
weeds  being  left  to  mar  the  beauty  of  the  smooth,  green  lawn.  The  last 
plan  of  street  cutting  was  quickly  acted  upon  by  the  up-to-date  farmers 
in  Ihe  vicinity,  and  their  homes  have  attracted  universal  attention  and 
praise,  being  singled  out  as  models  of  the  progressive  farm  home. 


318  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Much  credit  is  due  in  the  officers  and  members  of  the  advisory  boards 
in  which  lists,  in  addition  to  those  already  mentioned,  will  be  found  the 
following  dependable  members:  .Mrs.  John  King,  Mrs.  A.  J.  McCarthy. 
.Mrs.  W.  II.  Cobb,  Mrs.  K.  B.  Titcomb,  Mrs.  W.  1).  Hall,  .Mrs.  .lames 
Shehan,  Mrs.  M.  P.  Walsh,  Mrs.  -J.  B.  Lyon,  Mrs.  Lucy  Young,  .Mrs. 
Mart  Stafford,  Mrs.  W.  C.  Wellington,  .Airs.  Fannie  Webster,  Mrs.  0. 
L.  Putnam,  .Mrs.  John  Boodle,  .Mrs.  I,.  A.  Gardner,  .Mrs.  F.  C.  Peters, 
-Mrs.  II.  L.  Ferris,  Mrs.  Rev.  Giesel,  Mi's.  Carrie  North,  Mrs.  Aubrey 
(dc.k.  Mrs.  Asad  Udell,  -Mrs.  .1.  M.  Harris,  .Mrs.  Harry  Beardsley,  .Mrs. 
Harriet  Eastman,  Mrs.  M.  J.  Emerson,  .Mrs.  H.  (J.  Jones,  Mrs.  Gilbert 
Wagar,  .Mrs.  J.  II.  Yiekers,  Mrs.  E.  Carpenter,  Mrs.  Frank  Bordwell, 
Mrs.  Alex.  Diggins,  Mrs.  Robert  Minshull,  Mrs.  M.  M.  Towue,  Mrs. 
Robert  Nihan,  Mrs.  C.  J.  Hendricks.  Mrs.  Bert  Ford,  Mrs.  Frank  Phelps, 
Mrs.  Albert  Whaples,  Mrs.  James  Lake,  Mrs.  A.  C.  Manley,  Mrs.  F.  H. 
Dobson,  ilrs.  George  Martin,  Mrs.  Helen  Johnson,  Mrs.  George  Walker, 
Mrs.  Ora  Stewart,  .Mrs.  Richard  Engle,  .Mrs.  Robert  Hall,  Mrs.  William 
Doyle,  .Mrs.  A.  C.  Strain,  Airs.  J.  Keeler,  Mrs.  Eugene  Ferris,  Mrs. 
Howard  Ferris,  Mrs.  Anna  Fountain,  Miss  Florence  Crumb,  Miss  Carrie 
Wyant,  Miss  Minnie  Breitenfeldt,  Miss  Alda  Wilbur,  Miss  Ella  Miller, 
Miss  Nell  Richardson  and  Miss  Fannie  Powers.  Every  enterprise  entered 
upon  for  the  good  of  the  city  has  been  splendidly  upheld  and  all  possible 
assistance  has  been  given.  Cemetery  sidewalk  building,  as  well  as  other 
cement  sidewalk  construction  demanded  by  city  standards,  received  full 
support,  as  well  as  the  oiling  of  streets  and  the  planting  of  vines  and 
shrubs  on  school  grounds  and  in  numbers  of  vacant  spaces. 

Community  clubrooms  have  been  continued  through  the  support  and 
efforts  of  the  Civic  Club.  In  fact  every  movement  for  the  city's  benefit 
or  improvement  has  been  actively  sustained  and  furthered  by  this  asso- 
ciation and  through  all  these  years  the  interest  and  work  has  grown 
until  Harvard  stands  today,  largely  through  the  work  of  this  club,  in 
the  front  ranks  of  attractively  planted  and  beautifully  cared  for  small 
towns  of  northern  Illinois,  if  not  of  the  entire  state. 

Mrs.  C.  W.  Goddard,  Pres. 

The  following  letter  belongs  to  the  above  article : 

:'Dear  Mrs.  Doolittle: — 

"I  have  heard  the  history  of  the  Harvard  Civic  Association  read, 
and  find  it  pleasing  in  every  way  save  one.  The  writer  has  given  herself 
no  credit  for  all  the  good  work  she  has  done  for  our  organization,  and 
I  feel  that  it  is  unjust. 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  319 

"I  was  president  for  three  years  through  the  hard  work  of  estab- 
lishing a  permanent  association,  and  know  that  it  was  her  persistent 
efforts  that  brought  success  to  us,  for  although  .she  had  good  help,  she 
was,  and  is,  the  backbone  of  the  Harvard  Civic  Association. 

•"I  have  written  the  above  from  my  own  sense  of  right,  and  hope 
it  will  be  kindly  considered  by  the  party  credited. 

"One  of  the  presidents  of  the 

"Harvard  Civic  Association." 

In  1919  this  organization  was  merged  with  the  civic  department  of 
the  Harvard  Woman's  Club  with  Mrs.  Charles  W.  Goddard  as  chairman. 

HARVARD   FORTNIGHTLY   CLUB 

In  the  summer  of  1898  the  Up-To-Date  Club  and  the  Honor  Club 
united  to  become  the  present  Harvard  Fortnightly  Club. 

The  Up-To-Date  kept  posted  on  the  Spanish- American  War;  also 
general  current  events.  The  Honor  represented  Hope,  Faith,  Charity 
and  Progression. 

The  new  organization  was  named  the  Harvard  Fortnightly  Club  by 
unanimous  vote,  forty  members  being  the  maximum,  though  the  mem- 
bership has  since  been  increased  to  fifty. 

Mrs.  J.  W.  Groesbeck  was  chosen  president  and  held  the  office  from 
October,  1898,  to  October,  1904.  Mrs.  Harriet  Eastman,  Mrs.  Fannie 
Wellington,  Mrs.  A.  C.  Manley,  Mrs.  H.  W.  Blodgett  and  Mrs.  J.  H. 
Deaner  have  each  served  three  years.  The  present  president  is  Mrs. 
Daisy  Goodsell. 

The  club  federated  with  the  state  in  1906,  and  with  the  county  the 
same  year;  in  1913,  with  the  eleventh  district. 

For  several  years  the  work  was  for  higher  social  and  moral  condi- 
tions but  as  interest  increased  local  educational  work  was  taken  up  and 
the  public  library,  the  schools  and  the  Red  Cross  received  benefits  from 
the  organization.  For  a  number  of  years  a  lecture  course  has  been 
sponsored  and  food  sales  and  the  movies  have  played  their  part  toward 
charitable  earnings.  A  Chautauqua,  beginning  August  1,  was  added  to 
the  list  of  1919  work. 

All  moneys  gained  by  club  effort  are  used  to  help  the  needy  or  for 
local  improvement,  so  in  April,  1919,  fifty  trees  were  set  out  along  the 
cemetery  road  in  honor  of  our  Harvard  soldier  boys.  A  Parent-Teacher 
Association  was  formulated  in  January,  1919,  with  a  membership  of 


320  HISTORY  OF  McHENRT  COUNTY 

ninety-six.  Last,  but  not  least,  the  French  and  Belgian  orphans  have 
received  a  portion  of  the  II.  F.  C.'s  earnings. 

Since  organization  seven  members  have  died,  eight  moved  from  Har- 
vard and  eleven  resigned,  lint  the  waiting  lisi  was  large  enough  to  fill 
these  vacancies  without  delay. 

The  names  of  charter  members  are:  Mrs.  J.  ( '.  Blake,  -Miss  Daisy 
I  Slake,  Mrs.  J.  S.  Brasier,  Miss  Florence  Bowman,  -Miss  Edna  Blanchard, 
Mrs.  II.  1).  Crumb,  Mrs.  Elmer  Carpenter,  Mrs.  E.  L.  Church,  Miss  G. 
Carlson,  Mrs.  D.  Davidson,  Mrs.  J.  ('.  Diener,  Miss  W.  Diener,  Mrs.  II. 
Eastman,  Mrs.  G.  T.  Griswold,  Mrs.  J.  W.  Groesbeck,  Miss  Mayme  Groes- 
beck,  Mrs.  J.  M.  Harris,  Mrs.  R.  W.  Hall,  Mrs.  W.  D.  Hall,  Mrs.  F.  J. 
Hubbell,  Mrs.  E.  Krotzer,  Mrs.  James  Lake,  Mrs.  M.  W.  Lake,  Miss  Gene- 
vieve Lake,  Mrs.  Frank  Mason,  Mrs.  H.  B.  Minier,  Mrs.  V.  McKinstry, 
Miss  J.  Marshall,  Mrs.  J.  J.  Rountain,  Mrs.  P.  E.  Saunders,  Mrs.  Stewart 
Saunders,  Mrs.  M.  A.  Stafford,  Mrs.  W.  C.  Wellington,  Mrs.  P.  E.  Whit- 
tleton,  Mrs.  Fannie  "Webster,  Mrs.  Freeman  Wilson,  Miss  Hattie  Wilsou, 
Mrs.  H.  S.  Williams,  Miss  Nellie  Williams,  Mrs.  H.  T.  Woodruff  and 
Mrs.  A.  W.  Young. — By  President's  Committee. 

HARVARD  WOMAN'S  CLUB 

The  Harvard  Woman's  Club  was  the  outgrowth  of  an  idea.  Many 
years  ago  a  number  of  Harvard  ladies  were  invited  for  a  social  after- 
noon when  a  fine  lecture  or  a  good  story  was  read  by  the  hostess  or 
one  of  the  guests.  The  time  was  so  happily  and  profitably  spent,  the 
plan  of  entertainment  met  with  enthusiastic  appreciation  and  other 
ladies  followed  with  like  entertainment.  It  is  from  the  influence  of 
these  afternoons  that  our  club  undoubtedly  received  its  origin,  being 
organized  October  19,  1891.  Mrs.  W.  ( '.  Wellington  and  Mrs.  R.  W. 
Hall,  having  it  in  mind  for  some  time,  had  carefully  worked  out  a  plan 
for  a  club  beginning.  That  the  selection  of  members  was  most  satis- 
factory, although  in  several  instances  those  brought  together  were  mere 
acquaintances,  the  years  have  proved  by  uniting  all  into  a  wonder- 
fully intimate  friendship  which  has  greatly  enriched  and  blessed  our 
lives. 

The  following  is  the  list  of  charter  members:  Mrs.  Fannie  Kinnie 
Wellington,  Mrs.  Anna  Bagley  Hall,  Mrs.  Harriet  Nims  Binnie,  Mrs. 
Julia  Aver  Minier,  Mrs.  Harriet  Watson,  Mrs.  Lucelia  Hunt,  Mrs.  Harriet 
.Miles  Eastman,  Mrs.  Mary  Crumb,  Mrs.  Clara  Curts,  and  Mrs.  Caroline 
I '.lake  Goddard. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  321 

The  rules  and  by-laws  first  formulated  have  practically  remained 
unchanged.  The  club  is  not  a  study  club,  but  a  reading  and  social 
club.  The  season  opens  in  October.  Meetings  are  held  every  Monday 
afternoon,  reading  from  2  :30  to  4  :30,  followed  by  refreshments  at  five 
o'clock,  closing  with  post   prandial. 

Reading  entertainment  and  post  prandial  are  furnished  by  members 
in  turn,  the  reader  selecting  any  subject  or  matter  she  chooses.  Each 
member  invites  one  guest  so  that  each  week  a  company  of  twenty  enjoys 
the  reading  and  very  informal  discussions  in  which  both  guests  and  mem- 
bers are  urged  to  participate,  in  addition  to  the  dinner  and  the  delightful 
post  prandial  which  latter  has  always  seemed  especially  helpful  and 
inspiring. 

No  change  in  membership  has  occurred  in  the  past  twenty-three 
years  until  our  loss,  by  death,  of  our  youngest  member,  Mrs.  Crumb. 
Several  removals  from  Harvard  and  one  withdrawal,  added  the  names 
of  Mrs.  Mary  Bagley  Nims,  who  also  moved  away  after  one  year,  Mrs. 
Harriet  Aver  Towne,  Mrs.  Lucy  Gardner  Young,  Mrs.  Mary  Young  Wil- 
liams, and  Mrs.  Leretha  Austin  Axtell. 

The  officers  being  elected  annually  by  ballot,  it  has  necessarily  some- 
what of  a  rotation  from  vice  president  to  president,  most  of  the  mem- 
bers serving  many  seasons.  The  office  of  secretary  and  treasurer,  how- 
ever, has  not  been  so  changeable,  the  present  incumbent,  Mrs.  Goddard, 
having  held  the  office  since  the  close  of  the  first  year. 

The  club  has  secured  for  Harvard  several  noted  lecturers  including 
Prof.  David  Swing,  Newel  Dwight  Hillis,  Rev.  Frank  Gunsaulus,  and 
Jenkin  Lloyd  Jones.  Also  one  season  a  lecture  course  of  several  numbers 
was  held,  the  proceeds  of  $95.00  being  given  to  the  library.  The  club 
has  held  many  delightful  receptions  for  out-of-town  guests,  some  for 
teachers  of  our  public  schools,  one  colonial  reception  when  the  members 
were  dressed  to  represent  historic  dames,  and  a  large  number  for  the 
husbands  of  the  members  at  which  other  guests  were  included.  Several 
receptions  were  also  held  in  celebration  of  important  club  events,  such 
as  the  one  hundredth  meeting  when  one  hundred  guests  were  served  with 
special  refreshments,  a  program,  toasts  and  a  general  good  time.  The 
400th  meeting  was  celebrated  as  a  New  Year's-day  book  reception  at  the 
public  library.    This  added  400  books  to  our  new  library  collection. 

To  the  Harvard  Woman's  Club  the  library  is  deeply  indebted  in  that 
through  its  efforts,  under  the  leadership  of  the  library  committee  of  the 
club,  Mrs.  Hall,  watchful  supervision  has  been  maintained  and  invalu- 
able assistance  given.     It  is  also  largely  due  to  this  club  that  the  constant 


322  HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

stream  of  new  books,  accessary  to  carry  on,  has  been  supplied.  One  of  the 
club's  "library  memorials"  was  our  "Pay  Shelf  Fund"  started  in  the 
fall  of  1913  by  our  gift  of  $10.00,  this  to  launch  a  perpetual  fund  for 
the  purchase  of  the  latest  fiction,  which  should  be  on  a  special  shelf, 
and  all  books  drawn  from  it  were  to  be  paid  for  by  a  small  charge  per 
week,  all  money  so  received  to  be  re-invested  in  more  "new  books." 

Our  500th  celebration,  November  2,  1915,  consisted  in  a  trip  to  the 
library  in  a  body,  where  our  president,  .Mrs.  Hunt,  presented  our 
anniversary  gift  of  an  additional  $20.00  to  the  pay  shelf.  During  1918 
this  fund  has  accumulated  $150.00  for  the  purchase  of  new  live  liter- 
ature for  circulation,  and  as  the  years  follow  must  roll  up  larger  and 
larger  sums  annually.  Another  club  gift  to  the  library  was  a  good, 
serviceable  clock.  Through  the  efforts  of  our  club,  a  library  tax  has  for 
some  time  yearly  been  secured,  in  1918  amounting  to  $1,000.00.  Besides 
Mrs.  Towne's  gifts  of  hundreds  of  books  either  purchased  expressly  for 
the  library,  or  taken  from  her  private  library,  she  presented  to  the 
library  her  very  valuable  and  exquisite  collection  of  butterflies,  mounted 
in  plaster  or  cotton  placques,  together  with  the  cabinet  in  which  they  are 
housed.  This  gift  is  of  great  beauty  and  will  ever  be  a  source  of  delight 
and  education. 

A  fine  picture  of  President  Lincoln  was  given  to  our  high  school. 
To  the  activities  of  the  Woman's  Club,  the  Harvard  Red  Cross  directly 
owes  its  origin.  An  initial  membership  of  about  fifty  was  secured  by 
them  after  reading  and  discussion  of  the  Red  Cross  and  its  work  at  a 
regular  meeting  of  the  Woman's  Club,  when  our  secretary  volunteered 
to  receive  the  names  and  dues  to  be  forwarded  to  Washington.  Later 
through  the  club's  agitation  and  insistence,  a  leader  was  secured,  IMiss 
Florence  Crumb,  and  her  splendid  perseverance  resulted  in  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Harvard  branch  of  the  Red  Cross.  Every  member  of  the 
Woman's  Club  has  been  an  active  worker  in  the  Red  Cross  either  as  head 
of  some  department,  or  a  contributor  of  funds,  or  knitting.  For  twTo  years 
the  club  has  supported  a  French  Orphan. 

The  Woman's  Club  has  been  an  active  force  in  assisting  every  move- 
ment for  the  benefit  of  Harvard  and  the  uplift  of  her  citizens.  Over 
8,00<l  persons  have  been  dined  and  entertained  by  it,  the  largest  number 
recorded  in  one  year  being  650.  Approximately  1,500  of  the  choicest 
magazine  stories  and  articles  by  the  most  brilliant  writers  of  all  ages 
have  been  read  and  freely  discussed,  all  of  which  must  have  broadened 
and  deepened  the  community  thoughts  and  lives  as  surely  as  they  have 
broadened  and  deepened  ours. 


Jbo. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  323 

HUNTLEY  WOMAN  's  CLUB 

A  company  of  women  met  on  the  afternoon  of  August  11,  1911,  and 
were  addressed  by  Mrs.  Minnie  Starr  Granger,  then  state  president  of 
the  Federated  Clubs  of  Illinois.  The  subject  considered  was  the  organi- 
zation of  a  Woman's  Club  in  Huntley.  After  the  address  discussion 
resulted  in  a  vote  by  those  present  to  form  a  club  and  become  federated 
with  the  state  at  once. 

Mrs.  Belle  Hoy  was  elected  president,  and  committees  were  appointed 
to  draft  a  constitution  and  prepare  the  work  for  the  coming  year.  The 
name  of  the  organization  was  to  be  The  Huntley  Woman's  Club  and  the 
object,  intellectual  advancement,  interchange  of  ideas  and  the  promotion 
of  the  best  interests  of  our  community.  The  charter  members  were  as 
follows :  Mrs.  Meda  L.  Smith,  Mrs.  Sarah  Hadley,  Mrs.  Jennie  L.  Mason, 
Miss  Catherine  Donahue,  Mrs.  Myrtle  S.  Cook,  Mrs.  Claribel  Hoy,  Mrs. 
Beatrice  Hoy,  Miss  Etta  Sheehan,  Mrs.  Minnie  C.  Devine,  Miss  Georgiana 
Hadley,  Mrs.  R.  Donahue,  Mrs.  Neva  Hawley  Van  Ness,  Mrs.  Bessie 
Cook  Butler,  Miss  Elizabeth  Keating,  Mrs.  Harriet  Crowley,  Mrs.  Rose 
Safford,  Mrs.  Abigail  Richardson,  Mrs.  Ella  Hart,  Mrs.  Theodore  Fred- 
ericks, Mrs.  Minnie  Keating,  Mrs.  Anna  Hadley,  Mrs.  Hester  Disbrow, 
Mrs.  Catherine  Ober,  Mrs.  J.  A.  Sinnett,  Miss  Helen  Grace  Randall, 
Miss  Lida  Eleanor  Randall,  Mrs.  Mae  Statler,  Miss  Edith  Hooker,  Miss 
Gertrude  Mason,  Miss  Alma  Pabst,  Mrs.  Mabel  Cruikshank,  Mrs.  Rene 
Marks,  Mrs.  Arietta  Yarwood,  Mrs  Lora  Harvey. 

The  first  year  the  club  had  but  two  departments,  a  study  class  which 
met  in  the  afternoon,  and  evening  meetings  once  a  month.  The  next 
year  four  departments  were  created,  as  follows:  home  and  education, 
history  and  travel,  civics,  and  literature  and  music. 

The  presidents  of  the  clubs  have  been  as  follows:  Mrs.  Belle  Hoy. 
Mrs.  Beatrice  Hoy,  Miss  Gertrude  Mason,  Miss  Lida  Randall,  Mrs. 
Arietta  Yarwood,  Mrs.  Neva  Hawley  Van  Ness,  Mrs.  Mary  Barthol- 
omew, Mrs.  Arietta  Yarwood,  Mrs.  0.  W.  Mason,  Mrs.  J.  W.  Burns,  and 
Mrs.  F.  R.  Liddil. 

The  charter  members  of  the  club  of  Huntley  should  feel  proud  of 
the  record  of  their  work.  There  have  been  mistakes  without  doubt, 
but  it  has  always  been  the  purpose  of  the  club  to  keep  their  object  in 
view,  even  if  at  times  it  might  seem  far  off.  It  has  been  the  purpose 
of  the  club  to  bring  all  the  good  things  into  the  community  within  its 
power  and  as  we  look  back  we  can  feel  that  the  efforts  have  not  been 
fruitless.    There  is  a  present  membership  of  forty-five. 


324  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

In  February,  1915,  a  public  library  was  started  by  the  members  of  the 
club,  and  bas  been  in  active  operation  ever  since  When  our  country 
became  involved  in  the  Greal  War,  the  club  set  aside  its  routine  work 
as  all  other  loyal  clubs  did,  ami  gave  preference  to  the  Council  of 
Defense  ami  Red  Cross.  Our  active  dub  members  took  up  this  broader 
work  as  capably  and  intelligently  as  they  bad  previously  done  the  regular 
club  work.  I  bus  proving  the  value  of  their  training,  and  their  loyalty 
In  I  heir  count  r\ . 

The  Huntley  Woman's  Club  affiliated  with  the  District  Federation  in 
1911,  the  State  Federation  in  1911,  and  the  County  Federation  in  1917. 

Gertrude  Mason. 

lotus  country  woman  's  club 

The  Lotus  Country  Woman's  Club  of  Spring  Grove  was  organized 
December  9,  1911,  at  the  home  of  Mrs.  Fred  H.  Hatch.  Nine  women  met 
to  discuss  the  possibilities  of  a  study  club.  Those  present  were  as  follows ; 
Mrs.  Fred  L.  Hatch,  .Mrs.  F.  W.  Hatch,  Mrs.  B.  A.  Steven,  Mrs.  T.  D. 
Cole,  Mrs.  G.  E.  Wieland,  Mrs.  J.  P.  Vidward,  Miss  Julia  Vidward, 
.Mrs.  Robert  Currier,  and  Mrs.  G.  B.  Hardy.  It  was  decided  to  form  a 
club  and  the  following  officers  were  elected:  Mrs.  Fred  L.  Hatch, 
president ;  .Mrs.  B.  A.  Stevens,  vice  president ;  Mrs.  F.  W.  Hatch,  corre- 
sponding secretary;  Mrs.  G.  E.  Wieland,  recording  secretary:  and  Miss 
Julia  Vidward,  treasurer.  The  directors  were  as  follows:  Mrs.  W.  E. 
Colby,  Mrs.  T.  D.  Cole,  and  Mrs.  G.  B.  Hardy.  The  chairman  of  the 
constitution  and  by-laws  committee  was  Mrs.  G.  B.  Hardy.  The  program 
committee  was  as  follows:  Mrs.  G.  1>.  Hardy.  Mrs.  0.  ('.  Wieland,  and 
the  chairman  of  social  committee  was  T.  D.  Cole.  It  was  decided  the 
did)  was  to  be  a  literary  and  social  organization,  with  meetings  on  the 
first  and  third  Saturdays  in  the  mouth  at  two,  p.  m.,  at  the  homes  of 
the  members,  refreshments  to  be  limited  to  tea  or  coffee  and  wafers  or 
cookies. 

The  club  was  named  after  the  beautiful  Lotus  beds  in  Grass  Lake. 
A  few  years  later  the  word  "Country"  was  added,  making  it  the  Lotus 
Country  Woman's  Club.  The  club  affiliated  with  the  State  federation, 
the  District   federation,  and  the  Federation  for  Country  Life. 

The  progress  of  the  club  in  1912  was  as  follows: 

Flower.  Lotus.  Colors,  yellow  and  green.  Motto,  "Not  for  ourselves 
alone. " 

The  following  women  have  acted  as  presidents:     Mrs.  F.  L.  Hatch. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  325 

Mrs.  B.  A.  Stevens,  Mrs.  J.  C.  Furlong,  Mrs.  G.  C.  Wieland,  Mrs. 
J.  C.  Furlong. 

At  the  sixth  meeting  of  the  club,  held  at  the  home  of  Mrs.  F.  W. 
Hatch,  March  2,  1912,  it  was  suggested  that  as  the  old  officers  were  the 
originators  of  the  club,  it  would  be  proper  and  fair  that  they  be  re- 
elected to  their  respective  offices  the  ensuing  year,  thus  giving  an 
officer  the  privilege  of  holding  office  for  two  years.  With  a  little  change 
the  following  were  elected:  Mrs.  F.  L.  Hatch,  president;  Mrs.  B.  A. 
Stevens,  first  vice  president;  Mrs.  Lynn  Overton,  second  vice  president; 
.Mrs.  G.  C.  Wieland,  secretary  and  treasurer;  Mrs.  F.  L.  Hatch,  corre- 
sponding secretary ;  directors,  Mrs.  E.  G.  Turner  and  Mrs.  J.  ('.  Furlong. 

At  this  time  the  club  had  about  twenty  members,  but  it  grew  until  at 
the  present  time  there  are  forty  members,  not  including  the  Music 
Club  of  fifteen  girls  which  is  an  auxiliary  to  our  club. 

A  farm  festival  and  children's  flower  and  vegetable  show  was  held 
September  15  to  20,  1913.  Among  the  speakers  were  Joseph  E.  Wing, 
Mrs.  H.  M.  Dunlap  and  Dr.  Cyril  G.  Hopkins. 

During  1918-19,  it  was  voted  to  hold  the  meetings  in  Schramn's 
Hall,  which  the  club  had  just  rented.  All  of  the  members  belong  to  the 
Red  Cross,  and  the  club  has  given  generously  toward   its  support. 

There  is  a  library  connected  with  this  club,  which  was  started  by 
the  donation  by  each  member  of  a  book  to  be  read  by  the  members. 
Now  there  are  over  100  volumes  in  the  library,  besides  the  use  of  a 
traveling  library  from  Springfield. 

A  French  orphan  was  adopted  through  our  club,  by  the  four  schools 
representing  members  in  our  club,  Spring  Grove,  Creek,  English  Prai- 
rie, and  Solon  Mills  schools. 

It  has  been  the  aim  of  the  club  to  provide  entertainment  for  the 
young  people  of  the  community,  and  many  are  the  good  times  they 
have  had.  A  study  course  was  decided  upon  for  1919  and  1920.  .Mrs. 
J.  C.  Furlong  is  the  present  president;  G.  Turner,  recording  secretary; 
.Mis.  R.  R.  Turner,  corresponding  secretary;  Miss  Mary  Swenson,  treas- 
urer; Mrs.  Reed  Carr,  auditor;  directors,  Mrs.  F.  W.  Hatch  and  Mrs. 
G.  J.  Richardson. 

We  have  had  two  deaths  in  the  club,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Pinney  of  Solon 

Mills,   dying   May   14,   1917;   and   Mrs.    Catherine   Wt>stlake   of   Spring 

Grove,  dying  January  6,  1919. 

Mrs.  E.  G.  Turner. 


326  HISTOKY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

MARENGO  WOMAN'S  CLUB 

Iii  1S94  eight  ladies  met  at  the  home  of  -Miss  Nellie  Fillmore  to  form 
a  conversation  club,  so  unpretentious  as  to  have  no  rules  or  regulations. 
The  object  of  the  club  was  for  the  members  to  become  easy  and  proficient 
conversationalists.  At  each  meeting  on  Monday  afternoon,  every  mem- 
ber was  obliged  to  relate  a  short  and  select  story.  It  was  such  a  success 
that  by  the  end  of  the  first  year  the  most  retiring  and  unassuming 
member  gave  a  review  of  J.  M.  Barrie's  "Little  Minister"  like  a  gifted 
reader. 

The  charter  members  of  this  club  were  as  follows:  Mrs.  Helen 
Busted,  .Mrs.  Caroline  Coon,  Mrs.  Harris  G.  Otis.  .Mis.  M.  G.  Haekley, 
.Mrs.  Elizabeth  Shurtleff,  Miss  Jean  Stanford,  Miss  Elizabeth  Sperry, 
and  Miss  Nellie  Filmore.  It  was  thought  best  for  us  to  broaden  out 
and  enlarge  the  membership  of  our  club  to  twenty-five  members,  who 
appointed  Mrs.  -John  Parkhurst,  Mrs.  Caroline  Coon  and  Mrs.  Harris 
G.  Otis,  assisted  by  a  most  able  lawyer,  Mr.  A.  B.  Coon,  to  draw  up  a 
constitution  and  some  by-laws.  Mrs.  Gertrude  Dorman  gave  instruction 
in  parliamentary  law.  The  object  of  the  club  was  to  study  art  and 
literature  for  mutual  benefit.  We  reviewed  the  art  and  literature  of 
Italy.  France,  England,  Germany,  Japan,  Egypt  and  the  United  States. 
oftentimes  spending  months  and  even  a  year  on  one  country.  We  met 
in  private  homes,  but  after  the  Community  Hall  was  completed  iu  1916, 
we  again  changed  our  plan,  increasing  our  membership  to  nearly  one 
hundred,  and  began  meeting  in  the  new  hall.  The  club  now  meets  in 
the  hall  the  first  and  third  Friday  from  October  to  May  1.  There  are 
five  departments  of  the  club:  civics,  philanthropy,  reform,  science  and 
education,  literature  and  art  and  music.  The  club  now  has  a  member- 
ship of  ninety-eight. 

Before  the  war,  each  department  held  meetings  outside  the  club  for 
study.  At  the  regular  meetings  we  have  had  outside  talent,  being  ad- 
dressed by  ministers,  lawyers,  physicians,  philanthropists  and  educators, 
and  otherwise  entertained  by  opera  singers,  bands,  cartoonists,  clay  mod- 
elers and  artists.  Ross  Crane  brought  a  fine  exhibit  from  the  Art  Insti- 
tute and  give  us  several  lectures.  Bonnie  Snow  brought  a  wonderful 
collection  of  art  and  crafts  from  public  schools  all  over  the  United  States, 
and  gave  us  two  or  more  lectures  on  the  subject. 

The  club  eared  for  the  public  library  for  fifteen  years,  and  its  de- 
mands from  that  day  to  this  keep  growing,  and  now  through  the  aid 
of  C.  B.  Whittemore,  we  have  a  two  mill  tax  and  the  library  now  requires 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  327 

no  further  aid  from  the  club.  Mrs.  C.  B.  Whittemore,  one  of  our  mem- 
bers, is  president  of  the  library  board.  At  different  times  the  club  has 
given  teas,  luncheons,  banquets  and  garden  parties,  for  great  social 
features. 

Among  those  who  have  served  the  club  as  president,  are  the  following : 
Mrs.  Harris  G.  Otis,  Marengo ;  Mrs.  Gertrude  Dornian,  Colorado ;  Mrs. 
James  Ingersoll,  New  Haven,  Conn. ;  Mrs.  C.  W.  Hart,  Seattle,  Ore. ; 
Mrs.  Henry  Rehbock,  Fort  Worth,  Tex. ;  Mrs.  Ellsworth  Seward,  Maren- 
go; Mrs.  Caroline  Coon,  Marengo;  Mrs.  C.  L.  Lundgren,  Ann  Harbor, 
Mich.;  Mrs.  C.  B.  Whittemore,  Marengo;  Miss  Nellie  Fillmore,  5918  W. 
Erie  Street,  Chicago,  111. ;  Mrs.  A.  A.  Crissey,  Marengo;  Miss  Kate  Blood- 
good,  Marengo;  Mrs.  Frank  Hackley,  Marengo;  Mrs.  Charles  Talbott, 
Duluth,  Minn.;  Mrs.  Jarvis  Heath,  Marengo;  Mrs.  J.  M.  Patterson, 
Marengo;  Mrs.  C.  Dyke,  Crystal  Lake,  and  Mrs.  A.  W.  Kelley,  the  pres- 
ent incumbent.  Mrs.  H.  G.  Otis. 

MC  HENRY  COUNTY  FEDERATION  OF  WOMAN 's  CLUBS 

An  invitation  was  extended  to  the  different  woman's  clubs  of  Mc- 
Ilenry  County,  by  the  Woman's  Club  of  Woodstock,  to  meet  on  their 
regular  da}-,  February  6,  1906,  to  discuss  the  forming  of  a  county 
federation.  Other  county  federations  were  explained  by  Mrs.  A.  S. 
Wright  of  Woodstock,  and  after  careful  consideration,  the  president 
of  each  club  retired  and  formulated  the  resolution,  on  which  to  federate. 

"Resolved  to  federate  as  a  county  federation;  our  aims  being  a 
higher  social,  moral  and  intellectual  influence  in  the  county." 

Signed  by  the  Marengo,  Harvard,  Hebron  and  Woodstock  clubs. 

The  first  officers  elected  were  as  follows :  Mrs.  King  of  Hebron,  presi- 
dent ;  Mrs.  McEwan  of  Woodstock,  vice  president ;  Mrs.  Wellington  of 
Harvard,  recording  secretary ;  Miss  Groesbeck  of  Hebron,  corresponding 
secretary ;  and  Mrs.  Whittemore  of  Marengo,  treasurer. 

On  May  12,  1906,  the  constitution  was  adopted.  The  federation  meets 
every  June  in  the  city  which  invites  it. 

After  the  business  of  the  meeting  is  transacted,  a  literary  program 
is  given.  We  have  heard  the  following  speakers :  Mrs.  Harriet  Vittum, 
"Civics;"  Clifford  Roe,  "White  Slave;"  Miss  Brooks  of  the  Illinois 
University,  "Home  Care  of  the  Sick;"  Carl  Wentz,  president  of  the 
Academy  of  Fine  Arts,  ' '  Line  and  Color  in  Dress  ; ' '  Minnie  Starr  Gran- 
ger, state  president,  and  Jessie  Spafford,  Illinois  president,  federated 
clubs  and  Christine  Tomlin,  "War  Work." 


328  HISTORY  OF  McHENEY  COUNTY 

The  clubs  now  belonging  to  the  federation  are:  Harvard  Woman's 
Club,  Harvard  Fortnightly  Club,  Harvard  civic  Club.  Woodstock 
Woman's  Club,  Marengo  Woman's  Club,  Hebron  Woman's  Club,  Rush 
Creek  Woman's  Club,  Crystal  Lake  Woman's  Club,  Algonquin  Woman's 
Club,  Buntley  Woman's  Club,  and  the  Se :a   Domestic  Science  Club. 

Tl (Beers  are:     Mrs.   Frank  Tanner  of  Harvard,  president;  Mrs. 

Watkins  of  Marengo,  vice  president ;  .Mrs.  Cameron  of  Hebron,  recording 
secretary;  .Mis.  Seelye  of  Harvard,  corresponding  secretary;  Mrs.  Flora 
Richards  of  Woodstock,  treasurer.  Mrs.  E.  C.  Robb. 

RICHMOND  WOMAN'S  CIiUB 

In  the  fall  of  1911  a  group  of  the  Richmond  women  organized,  in 
order  to  study  domestic  science.  The  following  year  they  voted  to 
become  a  woman's  club,  at  the  same  time  increasing  the  membership  of 
the  original  organization.  The  charter  members  were  as  follows:  Mis. 
M.  R.  Cole,  Mrs.  J.  U.  Benton,  Mrs.  F.  H.  McAssey,  Mrs.  F.  B.  Mc- 
Connell,  Mrs.  E.  M.  Stewart,  Mrs.  W.  C.  Heek,  Mrs.  C.  Otto,  Mrs.  Nellie 
Phillips,  Mrs.  Ella  Lang,  Misses  Nellie  Rehorat,  Clare  Ilobart,  Elizabeth 
Ward.  There  are  now  twenty  members.  The  following  have  held  the 
office  of  president  :  Mrs.  M.  R.  Cole,  1912-1914;  Mrs.  Gertrude  Burgerzei. 
1IU4-1916;  and  Mrs.  F.  B.  McConnell,  1916-1919.  Elizabeth  C.  Ward 
is  now  serving  as  president. 

The  Richmond  woman's  club  has  always  taken  an  active  part  in 
promoting  progressive  movements  along  civic,  educational  and  patriotic 
lines.  Among  other  things,  the  club  has  co-operated  with  the  University 
of  Illinois  in  two  public  demonstrations,  the  first  a  five  day  domestic 
science  school,  with  two  instructors;  the  second,  a  wheel  of  lectures  on 
household  science  illustrated  by  practical  demonstrations  in  the  state 
demonstration  car. 

The  most  enterprising  undertaking  was  the  exhibition  of  paintings 
by  the  Chicago  Water  Color  Club  and  curious  local  collections,  which 
lasted  for  five  days,  with  entertainments  each  evening.  The  proceeds. 
amounting  to  $400.00,  were  expended  for  pictures  and  books  for  the 
schools. 

Two  civic  tag  days  have  been  held  at  Richmond,  the  ultimate  result 
being  a  keener  interest  in  bird  protection  and  shrub  planting  around 
the  town  ball.  One  winter  a  successful  lecture  course  was  directed  by 
the  club.  During  1918-1919,  the  club  activities  have  centered  upon  the 
work  of  the  Woman's  National  Council  of  Defense. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  329 

From  the  first  it  has  been  the  policy  of  the  club  to  hold  several  open 
meetings  each  year,  on  various  subjects  of  interest  to  the  community. 

Miss  Elizabeth  Ward. 

RUSH    CREEK    WOMAN'S    CLUB 

On  October  24,  1901,  the  ladies  of  the  Rush  Creek  neighborhood  me1 
at  the  home  of  .Mrs.  Horace  Porter  and  organized  the  Rush  Creek  Aid 
Society  to  promote  charity  and  sociability,  realizing  that  by  united  ef- 
fort a  great  deal  of  good  could  be  accomplished.  The  first  officers  were 
as  follows:  Mrs.  T.  Graves,  president;  Mrs.  Fred  Tanner,  vice  presi- 
dent: and  Mrs.  Clark  Porter,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  charter 
membership  was  fifty,  and  great  enthusiasm  was  aroused. 

Many  changes  have  taken  place  since  the  organization  of  that  first 
society.  Eight  of  the  charter  members  have  passed  on,  and  only  six 
now  remain  active  in  the  club  work. 

The  day  of  October  26,  1911,  marked  the  beginning  of  a  new  epoch 
for  the  Rush  Creek  ladies,  when  the  Rush  Creek  Aid  Society  was  re- 
organized into  a  full-fledged  Woman's  Club,  under  the  guidance  of 
Mrs.  Charles  Talbot  of  Marengo,  as  the  Rush  Creek  Woman's  Club,  and 
federated  with  the  state,  district  and  county  Woman's  clubs,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1911. 

The  following  are  among  those  who  have  served  as  presidents  of 
the  club  :  Mrs.  Ira  Puis,  Mrs.  C.  A.  Porter,  Mrs.  F.  C.  Curtis,  Mrs.  F.  J. 
Miller,  Mrs.  Earl  Swan  and  Mrs.  Fred  Watkins,  and  they  have  kept  the 
various  activities  of  the  club  very  much  alive.  During  1917  and  1918, 
with  a  membership  of  thirty-two,  the  departments  of  the  club  united  in 
doing  w-ar  work.  The  sum  of  $500.00  was  raised  and  expended  for 
urgent  calls  for  money.  The  club's  war  orphans  have  been  cared  for. 
The  club  sent  to  France  599  articles  of  clothing  for  the  use  of  refugees. 
Seven  barrels  of  clothing  and  food  were  sent  to  Chicago.  Individual 
members  bought  generously  of  Liberty  bonds  and  thrift  stamps,  and  all 
in  every  way  assisted  in  the  war  work. 

At  the  beginning  of  a  new  year  and  a  new  era  of  peace,  the  members 
of  the  club  realize  the  many  blessings  God  has  bestowed  upon  them,  and 
pledge  themselves  to  be  in  the  future,  as  in  the  past,  worthy  of  the  trust 
reposed  in  them. 

Mrs.  F.  J.  Miller,  Historian. 


330  HISTORY  OF  McHENBY  COUNTY 

SCHUMANN   CLUB 

On  February  12,  1906,  six  music  Lovers  of  Harvard.  111.,  met  to 
organize  a  club  "to  promote  interest  in  the  study  of  and  cultivate  a 
taste  for  the  better  class  of  music."  These  six  ladies,  who  named  their 
organization  The  Schumann  Club,  were  Mesdames  Aubrey  Cook,  Law- 
rence Norton,  Robert  Minshull,  James  Keeler  and  .Misses  Nella  Williams 
and  Lora  Waters. 

The  Schumann  Club  has  grown  in  numbers  and  power  until  it  has 
won  for  itself  a  distinctive  place  in  the  city*s  life  and  has  become 
federated  with  both  the  state  and  national  Federations  of  Music  Clubs. 
The  club  now  has  twenty  active  members.  It  meets  fortnightly  and  the 
afternoon  is  divided  into  study  and  choral  practice. 

This  club  has  given  numerous  musicales  and  has  furnished  music  for 
many  of  the  other  clubs'  programs.  It  has  also  brought  to  the  community 
many  musicians  of  note  in  lectures  and  concerts,  among  whom  were  the 
following:  William  L.  Tomlins.  .Maude  Fenlon  Bolman,  Mabel  Corlew 
Schmid,  Day  Williams,  Helen  Brown  Read,  Jessie  Daggett,  Helena 
Bingham  and  Alberto  Salvi. 

During  the  two  years  when  the  members  have  been  devoting  them- 
selves to  war  activities  of  various  kinds,  the  outside  work  of  the  club 
was  largely  the  sponsoring  of  many  community  sings,  which  have  been 
such  a  potent  factor  at  Harvard,  as  elsewhere,  in  winning  the  war. 

The  latest  activity  of  the  club  has  been  the  collections  of  victrola 
records,  nearly  one  hundred  of  which  have  been  sent  to  the  military  hos- 
pital at  Ft.  Bayard,  N.  M. 

During  the  years  of  the  club's  life,  the  following  members  have  served 
in  the  capacity  of  president :  Mrs.  Aubrey  Conk.  Miss  Adeline  Brainard, 
Mrs.  Howard  Ferris,  Mrs.  F.  A.  Barter.  .Mrs.  Robert  Minshull.  Miss 
Frances  Kees,  Mrs.  Howard  Eaton  and  Mrs.  H.  B.  Megran. 

Katherixe  I.  Eatox. 

SEXECA   ASSOCIATION    OF    DOMESTIC  SCIENCE 

The  Seneca  Association  of  Domestic  Science  was  organized  in  the  fall 
of  190S.  The  first  president  was  Mrs.  Kate  Andrews,  and  the  first 
secretary  was  .Airs.  Frances  Greene.  The  charter  members  were  as 
follows :  Mrs.  Kate  Andrews.  Mrs.  R.  M.  Bean.  .Mrs.  Charles  Brock,  Miss 
Ella  Bookman,  Mrs.  Delos  Diggins.  Mrs.  Henry  Echternach,  Mrs.  Frances 
Greene,  Miss  .Mabel  Greene,  Mrs.  L.  Hand.  Mrs.  Fred  Hill.  Miss  Mary 
Purvis.  Miss  Aggie  Purvis,  Miss  Grace  Redpath,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Standish. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  331 

Mrs.  Charles  Standish,  Mrs.  G.  Stewart,  Mrs.  Henry  Torman,  Mrs.  A.  G. 
Waterman  and  Mrs.  Charles  Weiss. 

The  club  was  first  a  social  organization,  and  as  such  it  always  met 
the  needs  of  the  community.  Among  the  customs  was  that  of  holding 
monthly  an  all  day  meeting  at  the  homes  of  the  members.  A  dinner,  to 
which  all  contributed,  was  served  at  noon.  The  families  of  the  members 
were  entertained  formally  four  times  a  year,  and  visitors  were  always 
welcome.  Picnics,  socials,  suppers,  etc.,  contributed  to  the  neighborhood 
enjoyment. 

The  motto  of  the  club  is  that  of  the  State  Household  Association, 
"For  Better  Health,  Better  Homes  and  Better  Schools."  The  work  of 
the  club  is  expressed  in  the  motto,  and  might  be  classified  as  social,  educa- 
tional and  charitable.  The  social  activities  are  outlined  above.  Under  the 
head  of  educational,  may  be  mentioned  the  frequent  public  meetings, 
addressed  by  speakers  and  demonstrators  from  both  the  University  at 
Urbana,  and  the  State  Institute,  and  also  by  local  speakers,  including 
doctors,  lawyers,  teachers  and  other  professional  people  who  have  a 
message  for  the  club  members.  The  organization  has  alwaj-s  encouraged 
all  work  in  the  schools  which  comes  under  the  aims  of  the  society.  Among 
them  may  be  mentioned  school  gardens,  hot  lunches  for  rural  school 
children,  sewing  in  the  school,  and  special  attention  to  health  study.  The 
election  of  at  least  one  woman  on  the  board  of  directors  for  country 
schools  has  been  urged. 

The  charitable  work  of  the  club  consists  of  contributing  both  money 
and  supplies  to  needy  persons  or  causes,  and  sewing  for  those  in  need. 
During  the  war  the  members  have  worked  collectively  and  individually  in 
the  Red  Cross  and  also  for  the  Woman's  Committee  of  National  Defense. 
Money  has  been  contributed  to  war  work  and  two  French  orphans  have 
been  adopted. 

The  club  has  affiliated  with  the  Household  Science  Department  of 
the  State  Farmer's  Institute,  and  also  with  the  county  and  district 
federation  of  woman's  clubs. 

The  present  membership  numbers  eighteen.  The  officers  are  as 
follows :  Mrs.  Mary  Witson,  president ;  Mrs.  Verna  Bockman,  vice  presi- 
dent ;  Mrs.  Helen  Wright,  secretary ;  and  Mrs.  Nettie  Standish,  treasurer. 

Mrs.  H.  F.  Echternach. 

WOODSTOCK  WOMAN'S  CLUB 

Two  years  before  the  actual  organization  of  the  Woodstock  Woman's 
Club,  the  idea  of  such  a  club  was  born  in  the  mind  of  the  first  president, 


332  HISTORY  OK  McHENBY  COUNTY 

Mrs.  A.  S.  Wright;  and  it  found  fruition  on  the  afternoon  of  the  first 
Tuesday  of  October,  1905,  which  saw  an  organized  club  of  four  depart- 
ments, a  membership  of  fifty-seven  and  a  printed  calendar. 

The  Woodstock  Woman's  Club  was  incorporated  in  191).");  joined 
the  state  federation  in  190b',  the  McHenry  County  federation  in  1906, 
and    the    Eleventh    district    federation    in    1909. 

During  the  first  three  years  the  club  secured  the  erection  of  a  shelter 
at  the  Woodstock  depot;  the  adoption  of  manual  training  in  the  public 
schools,  and  the  gift  of  pictures  and  statuary  to  the  schools;  the  passage 
id'  the  anti-spitting  ordinance;  and  began  the  agitation  for  the  establish- 
ment of  a  hospital  for  Woodstock  which  paved  the  way  for  the  building 
of  the  one  now  standing.  In  1908,  the  club  secured  the  installing  of 
the  rest  room  in  the  courthouse,  which  during  the  Great  War  was  used 
for  Red  Cross  headquarters  for  the  county,  but  following  the  close  of 
hostilities,  was  returned  to  the  public  for  its  original  purpose.  The 
club  in  1910  issued  a  cook  book,  which  in  1917.  was  revised,  although 
the  original  name  of  The  Woodstock  Woman's  Club  Cook  Book,  was  not 
changed.  The  establishment  of  a  nursery  in  the  Industrial  Home,  the 
adoption  of  domestic  science  in  the  public  schools,  and  an  addition  to 
the  public  school  library,  are  among  the  organization's  recent  activities. 

The  members  of  the  Woodstock  Woman's  Club  took  upon  themselves 
the  work  of  assisting  during  the  World  War,  in  addition  to  the  regular 
routine,  beginning  in  1914,  with  the  Belgium  Relief  activities,  and 
continuing  as  long  as  there  was  any  need  of  their  assistance.  Among 
other  things,  the  club  assisted  in  securing  the  Soldier's  rest  room  at 
Camp  Grant;  Furlough  Home  in  France,  and  finding  homes  for  the 
fatherless  children  of  France. 

The  scope  of  the  club  work  was  broadened  continuously.  The  mem- 
bership average  seventy-eight.  The  best  to  be  obtained  has  been  fur- 
nished in  the  programs,  and  other  cultural  opportunities  have  been 
afforded  by  the  Shakespeare  Study  Class,  organized  at  the  very  beginning, 
and  later  an  Opera  Study  Class,  and  during  one  year.  The  Modern  Drama 
Class.  With  the  organization  of  the  club,  came  a  club  chorus.  Recrea- 
tions and  hospitality  have  not  been  neglected.  Reaching  out  into  un- 
selfish service,  the  club  is  moving  on  to  enlarge  and  better  its  already 
important  function  in  the  community,  and  its  influence  is  such  as  cannot 
be  ignored.  Its  proposed  service  will  include  the  agitation  for  a  new 
public  library  building  and  community  house. 

Pauline  Mc  Manus. 


CHAPTER  XXII 
MISCELLANEOUS 

TAXABLE  PROPERTY EARLY  RATES — GOING  TO   MARKET — PRICES  BY  PERIODS 

— VILLAGE  PLATS — CEMETERIES — POPULATION SELECTED    NATIVITY" IN- 
TERESTING ITEMS TORNADO  OP  1862 CYCLONE  OP  1883 — UNUSUAL  AND 

UNFORTUNATE  OCCURRENCES —FROZEN  TO  DEATH AN  EARLY  TEMPERANCE 

SOCIETY  MEETING! CENTENARY'  DRIVE — HOME  BUREAU CIVIL  WAR  RELICS 

— INSTALLING  A  NEW  TYPESETTING  MACHINE WAR  WAGED  ON  CANADIAN 

THISTLES — WORLD'S  FAIR  CORN  EXHIBIT — SPRING  GROVE  FISH  HATCHERY. 

In  this  chapter  will  be  found  many  items  of  historic  interest,  which 
in  and  of  themselves,  would  scarce  make  a  chapter,  but  when  coupled 
together  make  one  replete  with  interest  to  almost  all  classes  of  readers. 

TAXABLE   PROPERTY 

When  this  county  was  first  organized  its  rate  of  taxation  was  one 
per  cent,  on  the  following  schedule :  slaves  or  indentured  or  registered 
negro  or  mulatto  servants,  stock  in  trade,  horses,  mules,  asses,  and 
meat  cattle  above  three  years  of  age,  swine,  lumber,  and  one-horse 
wagons,  clocks,  watches,  etc,  but  no  revenue  was  raised  on  bank  or  rail- 
road stock,  pianos  or  silverware.    The  tax  of  1837  realized  $370.86. 

EARLY   RATES 

Among  the  curiosities  of  ancient  legislation  is  a  tavern  license  of  1837, 
for  which  the  fee  was  $8.  There  was  a  provision  that  the  landlord 
should  not  overcharge  his  "dry"  customer  for  the  price  asked  for  drinks. 
The  license  stipulated  the  rate  he  might  charge,  which  was  as  follows : 
brandy,  rum  or  gin,  twenty-five  cents  a  pint ;  wine,  thirty -seven  and  one- 
half  cents  a  pint;  whisky,  twelve  and  one-half  cents  per  pint;  beer  or 
cider  the  same  rate  last  mentioned.  Meals  were  not  to  exceed  thirty- 
seven  and  one-half  cents  each ;  lodging,  twelve  and  one-half  cents  each ; 
while  a  span  of  horses  might  chew  hay  all  night  for  twenty-five  cents. 

333 


334  HISTORY  OF  McHEXRY  COUNTY 

But  be  it  remembered  that  the  shillings  charged  then  were  harder  to 
obtain  than  at  this  date,  if  commodities  were  cheaper. 

GOING  TO  MARKET 

In  the  thirties  and  forties  the  nearest  market  was  Chicago,  and  the 
only  means  of  reaching  there  was  by  wading  through  mud  in  warm 
weather,  and  riding  over  frozen  trails  in  winter.  The  wagons  were 
for  the  most  part  drawn  by  oxen,  the  trip  taking  at  least  three  full  days, 
and  the  prices  received  for  all  kinds  of  produce  was  what  farmers  today 
and  even  for  the  last  thirty  years,  would  regard  as  not  worth  consider- 
ing. The  seed,  sowing,  cultivating,  harvesting  and  marketing  cost  more 
than  the  amount  received  in  many  cases.  Thirty  to  forty  cents  a  bushel 
for  wheat,  and  that  was  the  only  article  the  farmer  was  certain  he  could 
sell  at  all  for  cash,  after  he  had  hauled  it  to  the  lake,  camping  out  on 
his  trip  to  and  from  the  market  place.  The  great  yield  of  the  early 
wheat  crops  was  all  that  helped  the  pioneer  out.  He  many  years  realized 
as  high  as  forty-five  bushels  per  acre  for  his  spring  wheat.  Twenty 
teams  in  a  line,  thus  going  to  market  with  their  only  staple  product, 
was  no  uncommon  sight. 

PRICES  BY  PERIODS 

Beginning  with  the  year  1885,  taken  from  the  Republican  Free- 
Press  of  Woodstock  of  January  that  year,  and  winding  up  with  quo- 
tations from  the  successor  of  that  newspaper  the  Sentinel  of  the  pres- 
ent day,  may  be  had  the  following  quotations: 

1855 — brown  sheeting,  five  to  nine  cents  per  yard ;  bleached  shirt- 
ing, six  to  fifteen  cents;  linen  pants  from  sixty-two  cents  up;  linen 
coats,  $1  to  $1.50;  sugar,  twenty  pounds  for  ninety-nine  cents;  coffee, 
thirteen  to  eighteen  cents;  teas,  three  to  five  shillings  per  pound; 
molasses,  forty  cents  per  gallon;  salaratus,  eight  cents;  salt,  $6  per 
barrel. 

1862 — No.  1  spring  wheat,  eighty-eight  cents;  corn,  thirty  cents; 
oats,  thirty-four  cents;  barley,  seventy-eight  cents;  green  hides,  seven 
cents  per  pound;  dry  hides,  fourteen  cents;  lard,  seven  cents;  eggs, 
per  dozen,  thirteen  cents;  chickens,  per  pound,  nine  cents;  turkey, 
six  cents ;  butter,  twelve  cents ;  potatoes,  fifty-five  cents,  per  bushel ; 
onions,  sixty  cents,  per  bushel. 

April    26,    1865 — spring    wheat,    $1.08;    winter    wheat,    ninety-five 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  335 

cents  to  $1 ;  oats,  thirty-five  cents ;  ear  corn,  fifty-five  cents ;  shelled 
corn,  sixty  cents;  clover  seed,  $14.50;  beans,  choice  dull  at  seventy-five 
cents  to  $1 ;  live  chickens,  $4  per  dozen ;  hides,  four  and  five  cents  per 
pound ;  eggs,  per  dozen,  fourteen  and  fifteen  cents ;  butter,  good  roll, 
twenty-five  cents;  firkin,  fifteen  to  twenty  cents. 

September,  1881 — cattle,  extra  choice,  $5.90  to  $6.20;  butcher  stock, 
$2.75  to  $3.75;  hogs,  $6  to  $7;  sheep,  $3.50  to  $4.25;  creamery  butter, 
twenty  to  thirty-three  cents;  fine  dairy  butter,  twenty-one  to  twenty- 
eight  cents;  eggs,  twenty  cents  per  dozen;  No.  2  spring  wheat,  $1.31; 
corn,  sixty-eight  cents;  oats,  forty-one  cents;  barley,  $1.13;  lumber, 
(common  boards)  $15  to  $17  per  M;  fencing,  $13  to  $15  per  M. 

Fall  of  1885— cattle,  $5;  hogs,  $4.50;  mess  pork,  $9.40;  lard,  seven 
cents  per  pound;  cheese,  five  to  eight  cents;  wool,  twenty-seven  to 
thirty-six  cents;  creamery  butter,  nineteen  cents;  dairy  butter,  fifteen 
cents;  eggs,  fifteen  cents;  No.  2  wheat,  seventy-nine  cents;  corn,  forty- 
three  cents;  potatoes,  forty  cents;  lumber  (common  boards),  $12.50  to 
$13.00;  fencing,  $10.50. 

1893 — World's  Fair  Year  shipping  steers,  $3.50  to  $5.24;  cows, 
$1.25  to  $3.10;  hogs,  $5  to  $6  per  cwt. ;  sheep,  $2  to  $4;  butter,  cream- 
ery, eighteen  cents;  dairy,  fifteen  cents;  eggs,  twelve  cents;  lard,  ten 
cents;  wheat,  sixty-seven  cents;  corn,  forty  cents;  oats,  twenty-eight. 

In  the  month  of  July,  1919 — cattle,  prime  steers,  $16.40;  medium, 
$14.25;  prime  cows  for  beef,  $10;  hogs,  choice  light  butcher's  stock, 
$22.50 ;  heavy  weight  butchers,  $22 ;  butter,  forty-four  to  forty-eight 
cents  for  best ;  eggs,  thirty-six  to  forty-one  cents  per  dozen ;  cheese, 
thirty-one  to  thirty-four  cents;  poultry,  thirty  to  thirty -one  cents  per 
pound ;  beans,  hand  picked  $7  to  $7.50  per  bushel ;  sugar,  ten  cents ; 
wheat  No.  1  Red,  $2.28;  No.  2  hard,  $2.32;  corn  (Chicago),  $1.80  to 
$1.90;  oats,  sixty  to  seventy  cents;  gasoline  twenty-three  cents  per 
gallon  (small  lots) ;  Milk,  $2.13  per  cwt. 

A  Northern  Illinois  local  newspaper  spoke  of  prices  in  June,  1919, 
in  language  as  follows: 

"  The  hog  is  king.  Long  live  the  hog ! "  Prices  quoted  now  are  $22.50 
a  hundred  pounds  and  still  "going  strong."  Bacon  and  eggs  will 
soon  be  on  the  menus  of  millionaires  only !  The  1919  model  hog  is 
silver-lined  and  gold-plated.    Who  wouldn't  be  a  farmer  if  he  could? 

VILLAGE   PLATS 

Since  the  organization  of  this  county  the  following  village  plats  have 
been  executed,  and  nearly  all  are  still  in  existence,  though  some  are 
long  since  defunct. 


336  HISTORY  OF  McIIFXRY  CoFXTY 

Algonquin  was  surveyed  by  -I.  Brink,  county  surveyor,  September  26. 
1844,  in  the  northwest  of  the  oorthwesl  lit'  section  34  and  the  southwest 
of  section  27.  bounded  by  Fox  River  on  the  east,  anil  on  the  south  by 
Crystal  Fake  outlet,  all  in  township  4:!,  range  8  east.  The  proprietors 
were  Eli  Henderson  and  Alexander  Dawson.  Its  original  name  was 
"Osceola." 

Alden  was  platted  September,  1849,  by  Prances  Wedgewood,  in 
Alden  Township. 

Cary  was  platted  in  section  13,  township  4.'i,  range  8  by  John 
Brink  county  surveyor  June  4  to  7  in  1856,  and  filed  tor  record  February 
23,  1859.     The  proprietor  was  William  D.  Cary. 

Chemung  was  platted  in  the  southwest  quarter  of  section  33,  town- 
ship 46,  range  5,  by  Lorenzo  D.  Dana. 

Coral  was  platted  July  16,  1866,  in  sections  (i  and  7  in  township  43, 
range  8. 

Crystal  Lake  was  platted  by  Benjamin  Douglas  and  several  others, 
in  August,  1837,  but  was  not  really  recorded  until  March  31,  1840. 

Greenwood,  see  Troy. 

Gatesville  was  platted  near  Crystal  Lake  in  section  13,  township  43, 
range  8,  by  Simon  Gates,  June  16,  1855. 

Harvard  was  platted  in  sections  35  and  36  of  township  46,  range 

5,  on  November  25,  1856,  by  Amos  Page,  proprietor. 

Hartland  was  platted  in  the  southwest  of  section  13  and  the  south- 
east of  section  14,  township  45,  range  6.    The  date  was  July  26,  1878. 

Huntley  was  platted  as  "Huntley  station"  in  sections  28  and  33,  in 
township  43,  range  7,  by  Thomas  S.  Huntley.  The  date  was  April  14, 
1853. 

Hebron  was  platted  in  May,  I860,  in  the  northwest  quarter  of  section 
16,  township  46,  range  7,  by  Henry  W.  Meno. 

Johnsburg  was  platted  in  section  13,  township  43,  range  8,  by  a 
company  of  men,  the  work  of  surveying  being  executed  on  June  4,  5, 

6,  1868. 

Lawrence  w-as  platted  March  9,  1841  in  section  30,  township  46, 
range  9,  by  C.  C.  Taylor. 

Marengo  was  platted  July  21,  1846,  by  proprietors  Amos  Daman  and 
Calvin  Spencer,  September  14,  1846. 

McHenry  was  platted  in  section  26,  township  45,  range  8,  in  May. 
1837.    The  platters  were  Messrs.  White,  Colby  and  Brown. 

Nunda  was  platted  by  land  speculators  and  filed  for  record  August 
13,  1868.  It  was  platted  in  the  southeast  quarter  of  section  32,  town- 
ship 44,  range  8. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  337 

Ridgefield  was  platted  in  section  25,  township  44,  range  7,  January  8, 
1855,  by  William  Hartman. 

Richmond  was  platted  in  the  west  half  of  the  southeast  quarter  and 
the  east  half  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  section  9,  township  46,  range 
8,  by  Charles  G.  Cotting,  September  2,  1844. 

Ringwood  was  platted  in  section  9,  township  45,  range  8,  July  2,  1878, 
by  John  Huermann. 

Solon  was  platted  by  Henry  White,  proprietor,  November  13,  1840, 
the  tract  being  situated  in  section  26,  township  46,  range  8. 

Spring  Grove  was  platted  May  3,  1855,  by  John  E.  and  Emily  J. 
Mann.    This  village  is  located  in  section  30,  township  46,  range  9  east. 

Troy  was  platted  by  Lewis  Boon,  September  1,  1847,  in  the  south- 
west quarter  of  section  12,  township  45,  range  7.    This  is  now  Greenwood. 

Woodstock  was  platted  in  the  south  half  of  the  southwest  quarter  of 
section  5,  township  44,  range  7  east.  It  was  at  first  named  by  the  county 
commissioners  who  laid  it  out,  "Centerville"  as  it  was  near  the  exact 
geographical  center  of  the  county.  The  plat  was  executed  April  10,  1844, 
by  County  Commissioners — Messrs.  Troop,  Hayward  and  Tryan,  and  was 
received  for  record  June  10,  1844,  by  Recorder  William  H.  Beach. 

Union  was  platted  October,  1851,  in  the  east  half  of  the  northwest 
quarter  of  section  4,  township  43,  range  6  east. 

CEMETERIES 

The  burying  grounds  of  the  county  are  numerous,  and  many  of 
them  are  well  improved  and  cared  for  by  tender  hands.  Of  course  there 
are  several  of  the  older  ones"  that  were  used  in  pioneer  times  which  have 
not  been  used  of  later  years,  and  hence  have  run  down  and  are  not 
cared  for  as  well  as  the  others.  The  record  for  severalof  the  cemeteries 
is  not  to  be  found  in  the  county  books,  but  the  tombstones  speak  louder 
than  printed  record  that  the  departed  dead  are  within  such  sacred  en- 
closures. 

The  principal  cemeteries  in  the  county  are  listed  as  follows : 

Algonquin  Township,  in  sections  27  and  19. 

Alden  Township,  in  the  northeast  quarter  of  section  23-46-6,  and  in 
sections  14  and  15. 

Burton  Township,  one  in  section  17,  one  in  section  18,  one  in  section 
23. 

Chemung  Township,  Mt.  Auburn  Cemetery  in  section  1,  township  45, 
range  5,  and  one  in  each  of  sections  27  and  33. 

Dunham  Township,  Oakland  Cemetery,  and  one  in  each  of  sections 
7,  19  and  35. 


338  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Greenwood  Township,  Greenwood  Cemetery,  and  one  in  each  of  sec- 
tions 20,  22  ;md  35. 

Hebron  Township,  Parkers  Cemetery;  and  one  in  section  26. 

Marengo  Township,  Stewart's  burying  ground,  and  Marengo  Ceme- 
tery. 

Nunda  Township,  Mosgrove  Cemetery. 

Riley  Township,  Riley  Center  Cemetery. 

Richmond  Township,  one  in  the  village  of  Richmond;  and  one  in 
each  of  sections  4,  11,  20  and  26,  the  last  being  known  as  Cedar  Vale. 

Dorr  Township,  one  at  "Oakland"  and  the  Catholic  Cemetery.  "Cal- 
vary." 

Harvard  Township,  Jit.  Auburn,  principal  one  used  now. 

McHenry  Township,  those  found  in  sections  8,  9  and  20. 

Grafton  Township,  one  in  each  of  sections  10  and  23. 

Coral  Township,  one  in  section  5  at  the  village  of  Union. 

Seneca  Township,  one  in  section  24. 

Hartland  Township,  one  at  the  village;  and  one  in  section  (i. 

POPULATION 

The   population   of  this   county  at  different    periods  has  been   as 

follows :  in  1840,  2,578 ;  in  1850, 14,978 ;  in  1860,  22,089 ;  in  1870,  23,762 ; 
in  1880,  24,908 ;  in  1910,  32,509,  and  in  1920,  33,164. 

By  townships  the  population  for  the  years  1890,  1900,  1910  and 
1920  was  as  follows: 

1890          1900  1910  1920 

Alden  Township 1,026         1,015  1,014  964 

Algonquin  Township  3,675         ;),043  2,512  3,528 

Algonquin  Village 550  642  693 

Burton  Township 296           400  451  441 

Chemung  Township 3,057         3,814  4,101  4.421 

Harvard  City 1,967         2,602  3,008  3,296 

Coral  Township   1,354         1,451  1,432  1,296 

Union  Village 322  406  399 

Dorr  Township 2,796         3,470  5,335  6,408 

Woodstock  City   1,683         2,502  4,331  :>.f)23 

Dunham  Township 919           859  849  857 

Grafton  Township  1,437         1,484  1,589  1,475 

Huntley  Village 550           606  773 


' 


■' 


1900 

1910 

1920 

901 

908 

858 

874 

905 

860 

1,430 

1,430 

1,363 

611 

644 

631 

2,859 

2,702 

2,442 

2,005 

1,936 

1,758 

2,673 

2,679 

2,825 

1,013 

1,031 

1,146 

1,963 

2,110 

2,321 

1,554 

1,932 

2,449 

1,498 

1,472 

1,448 

776 

554 

533 

203 

363 

915 

822 

717 

1,105 

1,023 

940 

322 

432 

399 

HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  339 

1890 

Greenwood  Township    889 

Hartland  Township 960 

Hebron   Township    1,167 

Hebron  Village 

Marengo  Township   2,255 

Marengo  City  1,445 

McHenry  Township 2,555 

McIIenry  Village 979 

Nunda  Township  1,805 

Crystal  Lake 1,219 

Richmond  Township   1,212 

Richmond  Village 415 

Spring  Grove  

Riley  Township 830 

Seneca  Township  1,046 

Union  Village 

SELECTED  NATIVITY 1860 

Native.  Foreign. 

Born  in  this  State 10,214      British  America   382 

Ohio  448     England  and  Wales 713 

New  York 4,790      Ireland    1,661 

Pennsylvania   560      Scotland   207 

Indiana    96      Germany   1,187 

Kentucky    24     France 160 

Sweden  and  Norway 172 

Total   16,132     Switzerland    11 

Bohemia    90 

Holland  ..' 11 

Denmark  23 

Total   4,617 

INTERESTING   ITEMS 

In  1837  McHenry  County  paid  its  assessor  $2  per  day ;  county  com- 
missioners received  $2.50  per  day. 


340 


HISTORY   OF   McIIKXRY   COUNTY 


In  the  summer  of  1838  the  commissioners  fixed  the  rate  of  compen- 
sation for  jurors,  both  grand  and  petit,  al  seventy-five  cents  per  day. 

In  1838  the  total  tax  in  the  county,  which  then  included  what  is 
now  Lake  County,  was  $564.41. 

It  cost  this  county  in  1842  $102  for  assessing  the  property.  In  1843 
the  county  revenue  amounted  to  $793.14. 

The  first  justices  of  the  peace  in  Fox  precinct,  and  consequently 
Hist  iii  the  county,  were  William  H.  Buck,  and  William  L.  Way,  elected 
July  3,  1837. 

In  1918  McHenry  County  had  assessed  381,521,  38/100  acres  of  land, 
valued  at,  for  assessment  purposes,  $18,388,027.  The  value  of  improve- 
ments on  these  lands  was  $6,762,569. 

Number  of  automobiles  in  county  in  1918  were 3.096 

Carriages  and  wagons 7,067 

The  automobiles  were  assessed  at  $259.06  each,  while  the  wagons 
were  assessed  at  $16.37  each. 

Of  diamonds  and  jewelry  there  was $5,227.00 

Horses  of  all  ages 13,890 

Cattle    of    all    ages 56,888 

Mules  and  asses   122 

Hogs  and  sheep   9,675 

TORNADO    OF    1862 


From  newspaper  and  personal  accounts  the  following  is  gleaned : 
"On  Monday,  August  4,  1862,  a  tornado,  which  was  very  destruc- 
tive to  both  life  and  property,  passed  through  the  southwestern  part 
of  McHenry  County.  The  storm  began  at  three  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon, with  sheets  of  rain,  heavy  thunder  and  extremely  sharp  lightning. 
At  the  Deitz  school  house  in  Seneca  Township,  school  was  in  session. 
and  about  eighteen  scholars  and  the  teacher,  Mary  E.  Goodrich,  were 
present.  The  house  standing  directly  in  the  track  of  the  storm  was 
taken  from  its  foundation  and  carried  several  feet,  turned  half  around 
and  torn  to  pieces  leaving  only  the  front  end  of  the  building  standing. 
Strange  to  say.  not  a  single  scholar  was  seriously  injured,  though  all 
were  badly  frightened. 

"Fences,  buildings,  stacks  and  bundles  of  grain — everything  that 
stood  in  the  way  of  the  terrible  storm — was  madly  seized  and  torn  to 
pieces.     The  residence  of  John  E.  Green,  in  Marengo,  was  blown  down. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  341 

Mr.  Green's  mother,  wife  and  daughter  were  in  it  at  the  time.  The  old 
lady  was  so  badly  hurt  that  she  died  the  next  day,  and  the  wife  and 
daughter  were  seriously  injured.  Robert  Smith's  son,  John,  aged  fif- 
teen years,  took  shelter  in  a  shock  of  wheat  in  the  harvest  field.  He 
was  struck  in  the  side  by  a  board,  blown  from  a  neighboring  structure, 
and  so  injured  that  he  died  the  next  hour.  The  wife  of  G.  H.  Sumner, 
a  tailor,  wTas  found  among  the  ruins  of'  the  barn,  with  her  neck  broken. 
Edwin  Morris  was  so  badly  wounded  that  he  died  soon  afterward.  This 
storm  was  closely  estimated  to  have  caused  a  loss  of  .$30,000  worth 
of  property  in  this  county." 

CYCLONE    OF    1883 

McHenry  County  has  been  quite  fortunate  in  not  being  located  in 
the  natural  zones  of  periodical  wind-storms,  especially  the  ever-to-be- 
dreaded  cyclone.  However,  one  did  pass  through  the  townships  of  Che- 
mung and  Alden,  Friday,  May  18,  1883.  Three  lives  were  sacrificed  in 
this  terrible  storm,  and  an  immense  amount  of  damage  done  to  prop-  ■ 
erty  all  along  its  pathway.  Strange  to  relate,  its  direction  was  from 
the  southeast  moving  northwest,  and  every  building  in  its  pathway  was 
removed  and  swept  out  of  existence.  An  account  given  by  the  local 
press  says  that  near  the  Village  of  Chemung  the  farm  buildings  of 
Henry  Baker,  occupied  by  George  Conn  were  utterly  demolished.  Seven 
persons  were  in  the  house  at  the  time  the  storm  struck.  They  fled  to 
the  cellar  for  protection.  Patrick  Corrigan,  a  hired  man,  was  killed, 
and  Mr.  Conn  injured  by  a  falling  timber.  Just  across  the  way  the 
buildings  of  Mr.  Downs  were  also  destroyed,  the  owner  rendered  un- 
conscious, and  several  members  of  the  family  injured.  A  near  neighbor 
of  Mr.  Downs,  R.  J.  Williams,  lost  his  barn  and  a  portion  of  his  house. 
Owen  McGee's  buildings  were  destroyed  and  large  oak  trees  were  up- 
rooted as  if  but  mere  saplings. 

The  railroad  depot  at  Lawrence,  and  other  buildings  were  damaged. 
Patrick  Kennedy  lost  all  of  his  buildings,  and  his  hired  man,  John  Mc- 
Guirk,  was  killed.  J.  W.  Rogers  lost  all  of  his  buildings,  except  his 
house ;  also  his  horses,  sheep,  fences,  carriages  and  farming  implements. 

In  Alden  Township  the  barns  of  James  Vick  and  Mr.  Campbell  were 
destroyed,  the  residence  of  Fred  Bombard  damaged  and  his  outbuild- 
ings ruined. 

The  Alden  Sentinel  correspondent,  at  the  date  of  the  storm  wrote 
as  follows:     "A   few   minutes  after  six   o'clock   the   storm   struck   the 


342  HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 

residence  of  Fred  Bottlemy.    The  family  consisted  of  himself  and  wife, 

and  four  small  children  and  one  hired  man.  Mr.  Bottlemy  says  they 
did  net  even  have  time  to  descend  into  the  cellar;  lie  reached  for  the 
two  children  to  take  them  below,  and  the  next  he  remembers  anything 
abont,  he  was  lying  upon  the  ground.    The  building  was  strewn  to  the 

four  winds,  the  house  in  atoms,  not  one  stick  left  upon  another,  even 
the  stones  composing  the  foundation  were  scattered  for  rods  around. 
The  scene  beggars  description.  Parts  of  bedding  ami  other  clothing 
were  found  in  the  tops  of  tall  trees  fully  a  quarter  of  a  mile  away. 
Huge  oaks  were  torn  up  by  the  roots  and  carried  along  for  many  rods 
to  be  lodged  against  the  house  where  were  the  family.  The  hired  man. 
a  German  named  Soule,  thirty-two  years  of  age,  was  found  dead  in 
front  of  the  house;  he  seems  to  have  been  killed  by  being  thrown  violently 
against  some  sharp  pointed  grubs  that  were  sticking  out  of  the  ground 
at  that  spot.  His  skull  was  pierced  in  several  places;  the  body  was 
removed  to  the  residence  of  Casper  Bottlemy,  one  mile  distant. 

"Mr.  Bottlemy  was  seriously  injured  across  the  lungs  and  bruised 
about  the  head.  The  small  children  were  unhurt.  Mrs.  Bottlemy  was 
found  with  her  back  firmly  planted  against  a  tree,  her  left  arm  broken 
below  the  elbow,  her  right  arm  dislocated  at  the  shoulder.  Her  ease 
is  very  critical.  The  oldest  child,  a  girl  of  twelve  summers,  was  badly 
bruised  about  the  head  and  shoulders.  These  were  all  taken  to  the 
residence  of  Fred  Bombard  where  they  were  kindly  eared  for.  Dr. 
Barringer,  of  Alden,  was  sent  for  as  soon  as  possible  and  arrived  on 
the  terrible  scene  about  6  :30  P.  M.  Dr.  Brigham  arrived  about  mid- 
night. The  sufferers  were  all  properly  eared  for.  An  inquest  was 
held  Saturday  on  the  body  of  the  hired  man,  and  a  verdict  rendered 
in  accordance  with  the  above  facts. 

"Mr.  Bottlemy 's  sheds  and  barns  were  leveled  to  the  earth,  one 
horse  being  killed.  The  next  building  struck  was  the  sehoolhouse,  a 
good  frame  structure  which  was  actually  swept  from  existence,  not 
a  single  vistage  remaining.  The  storm  happily  occurred  two  hours 
after  school  closed  for  the  day,  or  the  consequences  would  have  been 
terrible  indeed. 

"A  few  rods  east  is  the  residence  of  C.  L.  Kingsley,  a  large  square 
house  with  a  cupola.  The  whole  roof  was  torn  off  and  carried  away. 
The  barn,  over  sixty  feet  long,  in  which  twenty-five  cattle  were  stand- 
ing, was  flattened  to  the  earth,  the  fragments  were  strewn  for  a  mile 
around.     There  were  also  three  persons  in  the  barn  at  the  time  it  was 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  343 

struck,  none  of  whom  were  seriously  injured.  That  they  escaped  seems 
almost  incredible.  A  cow  and  horse  were  killed,  and  one  double  buggy 
and  a  single  carriage  are  entirely  missing.  The  next  place  visited  was 
that  of  Fred  Mode,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  further  on.  The  barns  were  all 
destroyed ;  the  houses  were  saved,  although  the  porch  was  torn  off. 
Still  further  to  the  east,  the  barn  belonging  to  Mrs.  M.  A.  Weter  was 
destroyed.  The  storm  was  very  severe  further  along  toward  the  east, 
and  much  damage  was  done. 

"From  Alden,  the  cyclone  passed  over  the  line  into  Wisconsin, 
and  just  north  of  Hebron  station,  destroyed  Levi  Nichol's  house,  barn, 
etc.  His  hired  man  was  killed  outright.  His  father's  barn  was  also 
wrecked.  At  Racine,  eight  persons  were  killed,  a  large  number  in- 
jured, and  one  hundred  and  fifty  buildings  destroyed." 

UNUSUAL    AND    UNFORTUNATE    OCCURRENCES 

These  peculiar  and  unfortunate  incidents  have  all  taken  place  within 
this  couuty : 

A  snow  storm  in  December,  1856,  blocked  up  roads  and  the  new 
railroad  so  effectually  that  travel  by  any  method  was  impossible  for 
days  at  a  time.  On  the  railroad  running  through  Woodstock  several 
trains  were  snowed  in  between  stations. 

In  the  Fremont  political  campaign  in  1856,  this  county  was  won 
by  the  Republicans,  and  in  ratifying  the  news  what  was  styled  as  the 
"Woodstock  Cannon"  was  used.  By  some  mismanagement  it  was  pre- 
maturely discharged,  thereby  badly  injuring  Orson  Bates  so  as  to  re- 
quire the  amputation  of  his  right  arm,  and  the  left  hand  above  the 
wrist. 

Sunday,  August  28,  1859,  James  Ashe,  a  prisoner  confined  in  the 
jail  for  beating  his  wife,  probably  through  remorse,  hung  himself  and 
he  was  found  dead. 

In  the  spring  of  1859  a  young  man  named  Deming,  son  of  Jedediah 
Deming,  of  Harvard,  started  for  Pike's  Peak  as  a  gold  seeker.  When 
near  there  he  was  taken  ill  and  being  almost  overcome  by  hardship 
and  exposure,  he  turned  back;  but  being  joined  on  the  Missouri  River 
by  his  brother  John,  concluded  to  start  for  California.  He  was  sick 
enroute  most  of  the  trip,  but  upon  getting  through  was  much  improved. 
On  January  20,  1860,  he  went  out  hunting,  and  not  returning  when 
expected,  his  brother  went  out  to  search  for  him.     Seeing  tracks  of 


344  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Indians  he  at  once  concluded  that  John  had  been  foully  dealt  with, 
and  went  to  the  neighboring  miners  for  aid.  The  body  was  found 
Shol    through   the   head.      While  the   brother  of   the    murdered    man    was 

absent  from  his  cabin,  the  Indians  raided  it,  carrying  off  whatever 
they  fancied.     They  were   not   pursued. 

On  October  22,  1859,  William  Dalzell,  while  bricking  up  a  thirty- 
foot  well,  on  a  farm  a  mile  or  so  northeast  of  McHenry,  was  buried 
alive  by  being  covered  by  the  caving  in  of  the  walls  to  a  depth  of 
eighteen  feet.  When  his  body  was  recovered  it  was  found  that  his  head 
and  face  had  been  horribly  mangled  and  that  probably  he  met  death 
instantly.  A  man  named  Babeock  was  drowned  in  the  Nippersink, 
near  Spring  Grove,  while  fishing  with  a  seine.  May  10,  1860.  He  was 
thirty-five  years  of  age  and  had  recently  come  from  the  East. 

A.  ('.  Wilson,  twenty  years  old,  was  killed  at  Harvard.  July  20, 
1860,  while  attending  to  his  duties  as  a  railroad  employe,  in  trying  to 
get  ears  on  the  track  that  had  accidentally  backed  off. 

In  July,  1861,  Andrew  Austin,  a  young  farmer,  of  Greenwood,  was 
killed  by  being  thrown  from  a  horse. 

At  Harvard,  June  6,  1862,  a  man  named  Cutter,  a  railway  employe, 
was  instantly  killed  by  the  ears. 

.March  7,  1862,  Solomon  West,  in  Seneca,  committed  suicide  by  tak- 
ing poison.     He  was  comparatively  a  stranger. 

On  Monday,  May  5,  1862,  John  E.  Burr,  of  Greenwood,  met  his 
death  by  accidentally  falling  from  a  tree.  He  was  twenty-three  years 
of  age. 

On  October,  1863,  Mrs.  Bridget  Lee  was  killed  while  attempting 
to  cross  in  front  of  a  freight  train. 

Adam  Schneider,  a  very  worthy  farmer,  was  killed  near  Green- 
wood, October,  1863,  while  at  work  in  his  field.  His  team  became 
frightened   and   ran   over  him. 

John  Steffer.  working  near  Ringwood,  April,  1863,  ate  wild  parsnips 
and  was  killed  by  the  same. 

In  March,  1S64,  Willard  Joslyn,  was  killed  on  the  farm  near  Har- 
vard, while  trying  to  turn  a  somersault  over  a  pole. 

In  April,  1865,  while  celebrating  the  fall  of  Richmond,  an  anvil 
which  they  were  fixing  exploded,  and  a  large  piece  struck  H.  G.  Otis, 
who  died  two  hours  later. 

On  June  16,  1865,  John  Dolan,  of  Woodstock,  nineteen  years  old, 
was  shot  and  killed  while  trying  to  enter  the  house  of  Kutledge  Harris, 
near  Crystal  Lake,    He  with  a  companion,  both  drunk,  went  to  Harris's 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  345 

house  to  see  a  girl  and  were  denied  admission.  "While  trying  to  force 
an  entrance  Dolan  was  killed. 

In  June,  1865,  while  boating  at  Crystal  Lake,  two  young  ladies, 
Addie  Deitz  and  Lucy  Adams,  both  of  prominent  families,  were  drowned. 

In  August,  1867,  Michael  Dwyer,  of  Woodstock,  aged  seventeen, 
was  accidentally  drowned  while  bathing  in  Crystal  Lake.  The  next  day 
efforts  were  made  to  recover  his  body  and  the  old  cannon  from  Wood- 
stock was  brought  into  use.  The  second  time  it  was  discharged,  it 
exploded  and  so  injured  the  drowned  boy's  father  that  it  was  thought 
he  would  die;  it  also  injured  several  others. 

In  May,  18G8,  a  boy  named  Ira  Clason,  eighteen  years  old,  was 
struck  by  lightning,  while  plowing  on  a  farm  six  miles  south  of 
Marengo.    The  team  he  was  driving  at  the  time  were  also  killed. 

Henry  Jackson,  twenty-three  years  of  age,  was  drowned  in  Crystal 
Lake  while  fishing,  August  15,   1869. 

T.  J.  Hobart  was  instantly  killed  in  October,  1869,  by  the  falling  in 
upon  him  as  he  was  digging,  a  cellar  under  a  building.  This  was  on 
the  McIIenry  road  six  miles  east  of  Woodstock. 

In  October,  1869,  a  four  year  old  girl  belonging  to  Patrick  Crowley, 
of  Marengo,  was  so  badly  burned  by  her  clothes  catching  fire,  that 
she  died  ten  days  later. 

In  August,  1870,  at  Woodstock,  while  moving  a  building,  a  timber 
fell  in  such  a  manner,  that  Bela  Darrell  was  strangled  to  death. 

Jeremiah  Halesley  was  killed  near  Harvard  by  a  railroad  train. 
He  was  riding  a  horse  and  had  crossed  the  track,  but  the  horse  had  become 
frightened  and  ran  back  with  its  rider,  who  was  thrown  in  front  of 
the  oncoming  train  and  killed. 

In  January,  1873,  a  boiler  exploded  in  the  steam  mill  at  Huntley, 
killing  the  engineer  and  injuring  others  about  the  flouring  mill. 

In  August,  1873,  Watson  Heath,  of  Dunham,  had  both  legs  and  an 
arm  cut  off  in  a  mowing  machine,  and  died  soon  after.  He  had  lived 
in  this  county  sixty-four  years,  and  was  a  popular  man  and  a  good 
citizen. 

On  December  7,  1872,  the  night  watchman,  Jacob  Hurst,  at  the 
Woodstock  brewery,  met  his  death  in  a  singular  manner.  A  bin  of 
malt  above  him  broke  through  the  floor,  and  he  was  buried  in  it  and 
smothered  to  death. 

On  June  9,  1874,  a  very  sweeping  storm  caused  heavy  damage  in 
this  county  as  well  as  adjoining  counties.  Trees,  houses,  barns  and 
fences  suffered  severely.     The  damage  was  especially  great  at  Harvard, 


346  BISTORT  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 

McHenry,  Union  and  Richmond.  At  Harvard  the  new  engine  house 
of  the  Chicago  &  North  Western  Railroad  was  destroyed  and  much 
other  property  damaged. 

On  August  24,  ls7  1,  the  ten-months'  old  child  of  Wm.  II.  Eowe  and 

wife  was  drowned  in  a  pail  of  milk. 

On  Oetober  l'_\  1S74,  a  ten-year  old  son  of  lssae  Mussey,  of  Seneca, 
went  to  the  pasture  to  eateh  a  horse.  While  returning  home  his  hands 
got  eold,  and  to  warm  them  he  tied  the  rope  by  which  he  was  leading 
the  horse,  about  his  body.  The  horse,  taking  fright  at  something,  ran, 
and  the  boy  was  dragged  until  killed. 

On  December  15,  1874,  on  the  farm  of  J.  E.  Xourse,  two  miles  west  of 
McHenry,  William  Grant,  aged  twenty-four  years,  was  buried  in  a 
well,  sixty  feet  deep.  Eleven  feet  of  earth  caved  in  from  the  top  and 
fell  upon  him.  It  required  the  work  of  two  men  for  a  day  to  recover 
his  body. 

On  Oetober  30,  1875,  two  miles  from  Woodstock,  on  the  Austin 
Frame  farm,  George  Schneider  was  struck  by  lightning  and  instantly 
killed.  He  and  his  wife  were  sorting  potatoes  in  the  cellar  at  the  time, 
and  she  was  uninjured. 

In  March,  1876,  a  man  named  Sweet,  at  Harvard,  while  sawing 
wood  with  a  horse-power,  was  caught  by  the  coat  in  the  machinery 
and  killed  by  being  drawn  into  the  saw  frame. 

In  August,  1878,  a  German  named  Christian  Beir,  six  miles  west 
of  Huntley,  was  standing  on  top  of  a  threshing  machine  and  slipped 
down  into  the  cylinder  while  it  was  at  full  speed.  His  body  was 
horribly  mangled,  too  shocking  for  description.  He  lived  an  hour, 
being  conscious  to  the  end. 

FROZEN    TO    DEATH 

Under  the  above  heading  the  Woodstock  Sentinel  of  January  18, 
1877,  has  the  following: 

"On  last  Sabbath  afternoon  the  lifeless  form  of  John  Burk,  of  the 
town  of  Greenwood,  was  found  in  McHenry  Township,  near  the  old 
residence  of  Hon.  H.  McLean.  The  circumstances  connected  with  this 
sad  affair  are  substantially  as  follows:  Mr.  Burk  left  his  house  on 
Friday  morning  for  McHenry  with  a  load  of  oats,  and  not  returning 
that  night,  his  mother,  who  lived  with  him,  notified  his  brothers  of 
the  fact  on  Saturday  afternoon,  and  Sunday  morning  they  started 
out  to  find  him.     They  went  directly  to  McHenry  and  were  informed 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  347 

that  John  was  there  Friday  afternoon  and  left  for  home  in  the  evening. 
They  also  learned  that  there  was  a  sleigh,  from  which  the  horses  were 
detached,  near  the  railroad  track  north  of  the  village.  On  examination, 
it  was  soon  found  that  on  leaving  McHenry  Mr.  Burk  took  the  rail- 
road track  instead  of  the  wagon  road,  driving  over  cattle-guards,  etc., 
until  he  came  to  the  outlet  of  Lake  McCollum;  and  at  this  point  it 
seems  the  horses  refused  to  cross  the  bridge,  left  the  track  and  undertook 
to  cross  the  stream  on  the  ice,  but  it  gave  way,  precipitating  horses 
and  sleigh  into  the  water.  It  appears  that  Mr.  Burk  left  the  sleigh 
and  succeeded  in  detaching  the  horses  therefrom,  removed  the  fence 
and  started  to  cross  the  slough,  but  ran  into  a  soft  place  or  spring  and 
here  the  horses  left  him,  he  traveling  in  one  direction  and  they  in 
another.  Mr.  Burk  went  but  a  short  distance  from  where  the  team 
left  him,  took  shelter  under  some  bushes  on  the  shores  of  the  lake, 
where  he  was  found  by  his  brothers,  frozen  to  death.  His  clothes 
were  wet  nearly  to  his  waist,  which  proves  he  had  been  in  the  water. 
John  has  been  in  the  habit  of  drinking  strong  drink  too  freely  for 
several  years,  and  no  doubt  but  this  was  the  case  on  Friday  night, 
causing  him  to  lose  his  way  and  bringing  about  his  untimely  death." 

AN    EARLY    TEMPERANCE    SOCIETY    MEETING 

It  is  not  the  province  of  this  work  to  discuss  the  Prohibition  and 
liquor  questions  of  the  long  ago  years  in  this  county,  as  doubtless  it 
is  best  to  cover  old  John  Barleycorn's  putrid  corpse  with  a  mantle  of 
charity.  He  no  longer  lives  here,  enough  mean  things  have  been 
spoken  and  written  of  him  in  the  last  seventy-five  years  to  damn  him 
for  ever  and  a  day,  and  we  cannot  find  a  record  of  authority  showing  that 
he  had  any  saving  traits  of  character,  so  let  him  rest  where  he  fell,  at 
tin'  hand  of  the  people  of  America  in  1919. 

But  it  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  give  the  reader  of  this  volume 
an  account  of  a  meeting  of  the  "Ladies  Temperance  Association  of 
McHenry  County,"  held  at  Marengo  in  1855.  We  give  it  as  written 
up  by  a  delegate  from  Elgin,  who  attended  it  and  wrote  her  report  in 
the  Elgin  Palladium  of  January  18,  1855 : 

"First  in  the  order  of  events,  after  leaving  Elgin  depot,  was  the  de- 
mand by  the  conductor  for  our  fare,  and  we  were  greatly  surprised  at 
his  unwillingness  to  accord  to  our  party  the  courtesy,  which  in  every  in- 
stance heretofore  has  been  shown  ladies  of  this  Association,  in  their 
frequent  interchange  of  kindly  regard  and  sympathy  by  attending  the 


348  BISTORT  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

meetings  of  the  differenl  societies;  by  allowing  them  passage  at  the 
half  fare  usual  rate  Ami  still  more  were  we  surprised  when  upon  repre- 
sentation of  these  Eacts  to  the  superintendent,  who  chanced  to  be  on 
board,  be  also  refused  the  customary  tribute  to  the  cause  of  temperance. 
Sorry  we  arc  to  record  such  an  ungallanl  act.  We  Eel1  indignanl  at  such 
ungentlemanly  treatment,  but  not  sufficient  to  disturb  our  equanimity, 
and  we  arrived  at  Marengo  in  good  spirits  were  received  by  the  ladies 
of  that  place  with  great  eordiality— partook  of  their  cheer  and  repaired 
to  the  Presbyterian  meeting-house,  where  after  the  transaction  of  busi- 
ness, we  listened  to  an  entertaining  address  from  .Mrs.  Randall  of  Bel- 
videre;  after  this  resolutions  were  discussed,  one  being  with  regard  to 
the  rightfulness  of  mob  force  if  necessary,  for  the  restraint  of  the  traf- 
fic in  ardent  spirits.  It  elicited  a  spirited  discussion  from  Mrs.  Safford, 
Mrs.  Lindsey,  and  Mrs.  Misick  of  Marengo,  -Mrs.  Randall  of  Belvidere, 
Mrs.  Hubbard  of  Huntley,  and  Mrs.  Wright,  Mrs.  Waldron  and  Mrs. 
Tefft  of  Elgin,  and  was  put  to  the  house  and  lost.  A  number  of  resolu- 
tions to  the  effect  that  the  rumseller  is  equally  izuilty  and  alike  deserv- 
ing of  condemnation  with  the  rum-drinker;  and  that  they  withdraw  all 
patronage  from  all  those  who  deal  in  intoxicating  drinks  we  adopted 
unanimously.  If  lived  up  to  this  cannot  fail  to  be  of  great  good  and 
it  should  enlist  the  energies  and  zeal  of  all  temperance  people.  Thi 
seems  to  be  a  great  amount  of  talent  among  the  ladies  of  Marengo,  com- 
pared to  their  numbers,  some  few  noble-minded  women,  who  are  willing 
to  hazard  much  in  the  cause  they  have  espoused,  and  to  'hope  on  and 
hope  ever,'  until  they  see  that  accomplished  for  which  they  have  been 
swelling  the  number  of  petitions  to  our  state  legislature,  a  prohibitory 
law  similar  to  the  Maine  Law." 

(Signed.)  Oxe  of  the  Ladies. 

CEXTEXARY    DRIVE 

The  Centenary  Celebration,  or  the  100th  anniversary  of  the  sending 
the  first  church  missionary  from  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  was 
celebrated  in  1919,  and  among  other  plans  in  this  great  movement, 
started  by  the  Methodist  denomination,  and  carried  out  by  most  of  the 
Protestant  denominations,  for  the  betterment  of  the  world's  people,  was 
the  raising  of  an  immense  fund  to  carry  on  the  missionary,  home  and 
foreign,  cause.  The  Methodist  Church  alone  asked  for  subscriptions 
for  $105,000,000,  to  be  paid  in  five  equal  annual  payments.  A  stagger- 
ing amount,  seemingly,  to  confront  a  war-ridden  people  who  have  been 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  349 

subscribing  such  large  sums  to  support  the  government  in  time  of  war, 

and  to  help  European  countries.    Yet,  through  the  force  of  g 1  financial 

management  on  the  part  of  the  leaders  of  the  church,  this  amount  was 
subscribed  and  considerable  more,  too. 

McHenry  County  "went  over  the  top"  in  this,  as  well  as  in  Liberty 
Loans.  The  exact  figures  are  not  at  hand,  but  in  the  single  case  of 
the  local  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  Woodstock,  it  may  be  stated 
that  its  allotment  was  $15,850  for  the  five  year  period,  and  this  amount 
was  oversubscribed  by  about  $1,000,  enough  to  make  up  all  shrinkage. 

Among  the  logical  arguments  used  in  appealing  to  the  church-going 
people  here  was  one,  that  Woodstock  expended  on  an  average  of  $20,000 
a  year  for  picture  shows,  and  only  $25,000  for  all  her  churches.  And 
going  outside,  it  was  shown  that  the  United  States  spends  $320,000,000 
a  year  for  soda  and  other  light  drinks  and  $1,000,000,000  for  tobacco. 
These  and  like  arguments,  properly  presented,  brought  the  subscribers 
to  see  that  it  was  only  their  Christian  duty  to  spend,  at  least  $105,000- 
000  for  trying  to  help  answer  the  Lord's  Prayer  "Thy  Kingdom  Come." 

In  this  county  the  "drive"  was  on  only  from  May  18  to  May  25. 

HOME    BUREAU 

During  the  late  World  War  the  women  of  this  county  organized 
what  is  styled  the  Home  Bureau,  the  aim  of  which  is  to  better  look 
after  the  domestic  and  home  side  of  life.  In  a  meeting  held  in  the  City 
School  building  in  Woodstock,  July  7,  1919,  the  women  from  all  parts 
of  the  county  were  present  with  reports  of  the  work  accomplished  during 
the  past  year.  Miss  Bunch,  of  the  University  of  Illinois,  and  Mrs.  Dunlap, 
of  Champaign,  were  present  and  made  addresses.  The  following  officers 
were  re-elected  for  the  ensuing  year:  Mrs.  A.  E.  Seward,  Marengo, 
president;  Mrs.  G.  A.  Miller,  Pleasant  Valley,  vice-president;  Mrs. 
Fred  McConnell,  Woodstock,  secretary ;  Mrs.  Will  Hoy,  Huntley,  treas- 
urer. The  executive  committee  consisted  of  the  following:  Mrs.  E.  G. 
Turner,  Richmond;  Mrs.  Fred  Baier,  Harvard;  Mrs.  Will  Dyke,  Crystal 
Lake;  Mrs.  J.  C.  Furlong,  Spring  Grove;  Mrs.  A.  J.  Gafke,  Woodstock. 

Work  was  begun  by  this  society  in  July,  1918,  with  272  members 
enrolled.  During  the  year  work  was  carried  on  to  the  best  interests 
of  housekeeping  and  home-making;  how  to  use  better  methods,  and  adopt 
better  equipment  to  save  time  and  energy  in  daily  household  tasks. 

During  the  year,  129  meetings  were  held  in  McHenry  County ; 
eighty-seven  of  which   were  demonstrations  at  which  the  women  were 


350 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


taughl  the  preparation  of  war  foods,  canning  of  fruits,  vegetables  and 
meats  and  the  remodeling  of  old  clothing,  forty-two  Lectures  were  given 
on  better  kitchen  arrangement,  labor-saving  devices,  poultry-raising, 
gardening,  planning  of  meals  ami  feeding  of  children.  The  total 
attendance  at  these  meetings  was  11,956.  .Miss  Blair,  in  charge  of  the 
work,  travelled  during  the  year  2,7;!7  miles  by  rail  and  1,457  by  ear. 
holding  meetings  in  every  township  in  the  county.  As  a  result  of  the 
work,  hoi  lunches  were  installed  in  three  country  schools.  Twenty-four 
women  are  making  a  special  study  of  the  planning  of  meals,  keeping  rec- 
ords of  the  time,  expense  and  amount  of  food  used.  Twenty-nine  women 
are  keeping  records  of  their  gardens;  thirty-seven  are  making  special 
study  of  the  poultry  business.  Six  townships  are  studying  the  care 
and  feeding  of  children.  A  week's  sewing  school  has  been  conducted. 
Three  days'  instruction  in  poultry  raising  were  given  by  a  specialist 
with  an  attendance  of  153.  Besides  all  this  much  food  was  canned  and 
dried,  especially  vegetables  and  meats  and  much  wool  saved  by  the 
re-making  of  clothes.     This  is  an  excellent   innovation. 

civn.   WAR   RELICS 

In  the  summer  of  1919,  at  Woodstock,  druggist  A.  S.  Wright  had 
on  exhibition  in  his  show-window  on  the  south  side  of  the  public  square, 
a  collection  of  valuable  and  highly  interesting  Civil  War  relics  belong- 
ing to  Col.  William  Avery.  Colonel  Avery's  daughter.  M.  Ella  Avery, 
in  disposing  of  her  household  goods,  tendered  these  war  relics  of  her 
father's  as  trophies  to  the  Memorial  Hall  in  Chicago,  which  offer  was 
accepted.  This  consists  of  revolver,  saber,  box  of  bullets;  the  bullet 
which  wounded  the  colonel ;  shoulder  straps  from  the  rank  of  captain 
to  colonel;  well  preserved  piece  of  "hard-tack"'  (soldier's  bread)  now 
over  fifty  years  old,  still  in  good  condition.  Colonel  Avery  was  county 
clerk  of  McHenry  County  for  a  period  of  twelve  years.  The  Grand 
Army  men  took  special  delight  in  looking  at  these  relics  which  reminded 
them  of  the  days  of  their  young  manhood. 

INSTALLING  A  NEW  TYPESETTING  MACHINE 


Editor  Seott,  of  the  Richmond  local  newspaper,  had  troubles  of 
his  own  according  to  the  following  paragraphs  written  by  him  after 
the  battle  was  over  in  the  month  of  August,  1915.  It  appears  he  had 
purchased   a   new   linotype   machine   and   upon   unpacking   it    found   it 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  351 

had  been  smashed  up  badly  in  a  railroad  wreck  and  a  new  one  had  to 
be  sent  for: 

"Anyhow  the  expert  linotype  man,  who  knows  bushels  of  things  about 
printing  machines,  looked  with  some  sconi  on  the  mashed  up  machine 
and  declared  the  "thing"  was  no  good  at  all.  Another  was  ordered 
and  there  was  indigo  atmosphere  which  lingered  in  the  print  shop  all 
last  week.     The  chief  editor  wouldn't  even  go  fishing! 

"The  news  editor  was  going  tramping  over  the  hills;  going  fishing 
and  listening  to  the  wind-waves  in  the  trees  and  watch  the  shadows 
grow  long  when  the  sun  was  low. 

"It  rained  there;  there  was  no  sunshine;  there  was  no  wind;  and 
the  fish  wouldn't  bite.  The  news  editor  was  obliged  to  spend  part  of 
the  time  in  a  darkened  room  because  of  a  vacation  head  ache,  which  was 
doubtless  a  just  penance  for  planning  to  be  a  genuine  gypsy  for  a  whole 
week." 

"There  are  several  other  chapters  to  this  vacation  story,  but  they 
are  of  the  same  color  as  those  already  described,  hence  we  decline  to 
enter  further  details.  What's  the  use?  The  perfect  linotype  has  ar- 
rived and  is  beiug  installed  and  the  glint  of  sunshine  fills  the  office 
all  around  and  back  again." 

WAR    WAGED    ON    CANADA    THISTLES 

The  state  law  concerning  Canada  thistles  and  other  objectionable 
weeds  is  being  rigidly  enforced  in  the  county  at  this  time.  The  en- 
croachment of  late  of  the  Canada  thistle  is  something  fearful  to  behold. 
The  county  has  its  regular  thistle  commissioners  and  they  in  turn  have 
been  authorized  to  engage  scores  of  assistants  to  aid  in  doing  away 
with  these  pests.  June,  July  and  August  are  the  three  available  months 
in  which  to  try  to  annihilate  the  thistles.  The  report  shows  that  there 
were  743  different  strips  of  Canada  thistles  on  farms  in  Dunham 
Township  alone,  of  which  twenty-four  were  in  the  highways.  The  com- 
missioners are  provided  with  an  outline  map  which  they  are  supposed 
to  fill  in  as  fast  as  the  thistle  sections  are  discovered.  When  a  farmer 
claims  his  farm  is  not  in  the  thistle  belt,  the  commissioner  simply  pulls 
out  his  map  or  plat  and  shows  him  that  he  is  mistaken  and  that  unless 
he  gets  busy  and  removes  the  pests  at  once  that  the  county  will  hire 
a  person  to  remove  the  same  and  add  the  expense,  which  is  usually 
from  $3  to  $4  per  day,  to  his  next  tax  bill. 

In   Hartland   Township   there   is  a   ten-acre  tract,   where   the   pests 


352  EISTOEY  OF  McHENRT  COUNTY 

have  grown  to  an  alarming  extent.  Mowing  machines  have  been  em- 
ployed  to  cul  them  down. 

Many  of  the  worst  tracts  are  on  farms  which  are  rented  out  and 
the  owners  live  so  far  away  that  they  seldom  visit  the  place,  hence 
the  thistles  have  grown  almost  beyond  control  of  anyone. 

In  Chemung  Township,  the  commissioner  declared,  "There  is  one  farm 
in  my  district  in  this  township  that  has  sufficient  Canada  thistles,  if 
permitted  to  ripen,  to  supply  enough  seed  to  cover  all  of  the  great  State 
of  Texas."  One  commissioner,  Mr.  Dacy,  walks  over  his  territory,  going 
many  days  as  much  as  twenty  miles. 

There  is  no  escape  from  assuming  the  thistle  obligation.  If  the 
land  owner  refuses  to  cut  them  down  at  the  lawful  time,  the  commis- 
sioner simply  hires  a  man  to  do  the  work  and  reports  the  transaction 
and  makes  a  bill  which  is  placed  against  the  land  at  the  coming  tax 
paying  season. 

world's  fair  corn  exhibits 

During  the  great  Columbian  Fair  at  Chicago,  in  1893,  McHenry 
County  had  a  large  and  complete  assortment  of  corn  grown  from  her 
rich  soil.  The  men  who  under  director  James  Crow,  of  Crystal  Lake, 
furnished  such  corn  exhibit  were  worthy  a  record  in  the  annals  of  their 
county,  hence  find  the  list  here  annexed. 

Smith  Brothers,  Ringwood;  George  Lewis,  Cary  Station;  James 
Stewart,  Cary  Station;  F.  B.  Peek,  McHenry;  Dr.  Warren  Chase, 
Chemung;  S.  M.  Wardlow,  Hebron;  C.  Lockwood,  Ridgefield;  Prentice 
Smith,  Cary  Station;  James  Brennon,  Huntley;  Henry  Leesberg,  Al- 
gonquin; C.  Techier,  Algonquin;  Calvin  Davis,  Ridgefield;  James  R 
Jaekman,  Crystal  Lake;  C.  Pinnow,  Crystal  Lake;  Xels  Aekerson, 
Crystal  Lake;  Louis  Cammine,  Crystal  Lake;  William  Peet,  Crystal 
Lake;  E.  D.  Barnard,  Greenwood;  0.  McCollum,  Xunda;  O.  N.  Brass, 
Seneca;  John  Duggan,  Hartland;  A.  Walkup,  Xunda;  George  L.  Bryant, 
Nunda;  Peter  Berger,  Hebron;  M.  C.  Morris,  Crystal  Lake;  R.  Rowley. 
Xunda;  Chet  Burgett,  Richmond;  James  Burgett,  Richmond;  Fred  Ker- 
now.  Riley;  C.  X.  Webber,  Seneca;  Franklin  Morris.  Crystal  Lake: 
James  Whiston,  Ridgefield. 

SPRING  GROVE  FISH  HATCHERY 

The  State  has  a  fish-hatchery  located  at  the  village  of  Spring  Grove 
in  Burton  Township,  this  county,  and  reports  show  that  in  May,  1916, 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  353 

many  visitors  present  saw  50,000  rainbow  trout,  all  four  months  old 
and  at  the  same  date  there  were  30,000,000  pike  eggs  just  hatching 
out,  also  25,000  brook  trout  two  months  old.  Most  of  these  young  trout 
were  to  be  planted  in  the  spring-fed  streams  of  McHenry  County.  In 
1915,  350,000  black  bass  and  12,000,000  pike-perch  were  planted  in  the 
water  courses  and  lakes  of  the  county  by  the  State  Fish  Commission. 


CHAPTER  XXIII 
ALDEN  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — ORIGIN  OF  NAME — TOPOGRAPHY — FIRST  SETTLEMENT — PIO- 
NEER EVENTS — BURIAL  PLACES — FIRST  SCHOOLS  AND  CHURCHES — POST 
OFFICE — ALDEN    VILLAGE — POPULATION — OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Alden  Township  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  State  of  Wisconsin; 
on  the  east  by  Hebron  Township:  on  the  smith  by  Hartland  Township; 
and  on  the  west  by  Chemung  Township.  It  comprises  all  of  congressional 
township  46,  range  6. 

ORIGIN    OF    NAME 

Like  many  other  townships,  Alden  took  its  name  from  its  first  post 
office.  Originally,  the  post  office  was  named  Wedgewood,  but  on  account 
of  another  in  Illinois  by  the  same  name  it  was  changed  to  Alden  after 
Alden,  N.  Y.,  from  which  place  several  early  settlers  to  this  township 
had  emigrated. 

FIRST  SETTLEMENT 

The  very  first  settlers  in  Alden  Township  were  Nathan  and  Darius 
Disbrow,  who  came  here  in  the  fall  of  1836,  and  built  cabins  in  the 
following  spring.  They  located  on  section  15,  which  later  was  destined 
to  become  the  site  of  the  village  of  Alden.  Miles  Booty,  a  native  of 
England,  was  the  third  to  locate  in  Alden  Township,  he  arriving  during 
the  summer  of  1837,  settling  on  what  later  became  the  Capron  farm,  east 
of  the  village.  Ashael  Disbrow,  with  his  wife  and  eleven  children,  came 
here  from  Greene  County,  N.  Y.,  about  the  same  time.  Another  settler, 
John  Alberty,  from  the  same  location,  came  in  1838,  and  Dennis  Ryder 
of  York  State  arrived  about  that  same  year. 

354 


> 
2j 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  355 

TOPOGRAPHY 

Alden  Township  is  a  prairie  township,  although  originally  some 
tracts  of  very  fine  timber  were  found  growing  within  its  borders.  There 
are  to  be  seen  considerable  artificial  timber  planted  by  the  hands  of  the 
hard}-  pioneers,  which  trees  have  come  to  tower  up  some  twenty,  thirty 
and  even  forty  feet,  providing  shade  in  the  heated  seasons  and  a  wind- 
break in  winter.  Nippersink  Creek  is  the  principal  water  course,  it 
rising  from  Mud  Creek,  and  from  it  flow  Kiswaukee  Creek  and  Piskasaw 
Creek. 

PIONEER  EVENTS 

Timothy  M.  Eller  and  Esther  Disbrow  were  married  on  January  7, 
1839,  by  Wesley  Diggins,  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  this  was  the  first 
wedding  celebrated  in  the  township,  although  in  1838,  Darius  Disbrow, 
who  lived  in  Alden  Township,  was  married  in  Milwaukee,  to  Sarah  Cross. 
a  resident  of  Hebron  Township.  Their  child,  Lorain  J.  Disbrow  was 
the  first  white  child  born  in  the  township,  the  date  of  his  birth  being 
in  1839.  Twin  daughters  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Timothy  M.  Fuller,  were  the 
next  white  children  born  in  the  township. 

BURIAL  PLACES 

The  first  burial  in  Alden  Township  took  place  near  Mud  Lake,  it  being 
that  of  a  child  who  died  at  the  home  of  Ashael  Disbrow.  This  infant 
belonged  to  the  family  who  were  going  on  further  west  to  settle.  The 
lirst  cemetery,  however,  was  that  located  in  1846,  and  A.  Broughton  was 
I  he  first  to  be  buried  there.  This  tract  originally  had  two  acres  set  off 
as  a  cemetery.  In  1847  a  graveyard  was  platted  to  the  east  of  the  village 
of  Alden,  and  there  repose  the  remains  of  scores  of  pioneers,  but  later 
this  tract  was  abandoned,  and  the  bodies  were  transferred  to  other 
cemeteries,  chiefly  to  the  one  originally  laid  out  as  above  noted. 

FIRST   SCHOOLS   AND    CHURCHES 

Miss  Clarissa  Nelson  of  Geneva  Lake  taught  the  first  school  in  Alden 
Township,  in  the  spring  of  1841,  in  the  first  schoolhouse  which  was  built 
of  logs. 

Rev.  Leander  Walker  held  the  first  religious  services  in  the  township 


356  BISTORT  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 

in  the  fall  of  1  >.*!>.  at  the  home  of  Ashael  Disbrow,  and  there  he  organized 
a  Methodist  society,  which  held  meetings  until  1845,  when  it  was  dis- 
banded. 

POST   OFFICES 

The  firsl  posl  office  was  established  in  184:?  at  the  home  of  Francis 
Wedgewood,  and  he  continued  as  postmaster  until  1847,  when  the  of 
was  transferred  to  the  railroad  station.  In  1849,  P.  W.  Lake  was  made 
postmaster,  and  he  was  followed  by  X.  -M.  ('apron  in  1850.  In  1858  Mr. 
Capron  died,  and  he  was  succeeded  by  George  B.  Andrews,  and  in  1881, 
E.  S.  Smith  was  appointed.  The  later  postmasters  are  generally  well 
recalled  by  the  present  patrons  of  the  office. 

ALDEN  VILLAGE 

The  village  of  Alden  was  laid  out  in  1848  by  Francis  Wedgewood, 
and  John  Brink  of  Crystal  Lake  made  the  survey.  Xathan  Disbrow 
built  the  first  house  at  that  point;  and  the  first  store  was  opened  by 
P.  W.  Lake,  in  1847,  prior  to  the  platting  of  the  village.  The  first  wagon 
shop  was  run  by  C.  X.  Jiles ;  J.  Wood  was  the  first  blacksmith  and  M.  D. 
Hoy  was  the  first  shoemaker.  Other  early  business  and  professional  men 
included  these:  J.  C.  Brewer,  barber;  Ferris  &  Son  and  Julian  Brothers, 
butter  and  cheese  factory  ;  Copeland  &  Manning,  operators  of  a  creamery  ; 
John  Snell,  wagon  maker;  Edward  Wright,  carpenter;  C.  II.  Bennett. 
harness  maker ;  T.  J.  Disbrow  proprietor  of  the  hotel ;  Thomas  Rushton, 
lawyer;  E.  S.  Smith,  merchant:  and  Dr.  G.  R.  Barringer.  physician. 

The  village  has  never  grown  to  any  considerable  extent,  and  now 
there  are  a  few  stores  and  small  shops  for  the  accommodation  of  1  la- 
surrounding  rich  farming  community.  Alden  Township  has  many  beauti- 
ful and  valuable  farms  and  fine  herds  of  excellent  milch  cows,  the  milk 
from  which  is  sold  at  the  station  of  Alden  where  a  large  collecting 
station  is  conducted  by  one  of  the  great  milk  companies  mentioned  in  the 
chapter  (in  dairying.  In  1877  Alden  had  a  cheese  factory,  built  in  1870, 
and  used  the  milk  of  500  cows,  but  it  has  been  long  discontinued. 

The  early  settlers  from  Xew  York  being  great  fruit  lovers  demanded 
fruit  trees  in  this  new  country  and  a  Mr.  Easton  in  1848  planted  out  a 
good  sized  nursery  from  which  the  farmers  were  soon  able  to  get  trees. 
The  first  apple  seeds  were  planted  by  Sidney  Disbrow.  in  1838,  and 
these  trees  thus  started,  come  to  be  excellent  bearing  trees  within  a 
few  years. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  357 

The  Alden  Mutual  Fire  Insurance  Company  was  organized  at  the 
village  of  Alden,  in  1874,  but  since  then  it  has  enlarged  its  scope  and 
takes  in  the  townships  of  Alden,  Hebron,  Richmond,  Burton  and  Mc- 
Henry. 

It  now  has  in  force  500  policies,  with  insurance  amounting  to 
$1,800,000.  The  rate  for  insurance  is  a  trifle  more  than  one  per  cent  for 
a  five  year  period. 

The  officers  are :  James  H.  Turner,  Hebron,  President ;  Arthur  D. 
Cornue,  of  Alden,  Vice-President ;  A.  G.  Dickerson,  Hebron,  Secretary ; 
The  board  of  directors  are:  H.  E.  Street,  Hebron,  Arthur  D.  Cornue, 
E.  G.  Kingsley,  H.  G.  Durkee,  Alden;  E.  G.  Turner,  Spring  Grove;  J. 
B.  Richardson,  Richmond. 

This  mutual  fire  insurance  company  has  been  of  great  benefit  to  the 
farming  community  of  North  McHenry  County. 

POPULATION 

The  population  of  Alden  Township  in  1890  was  1,026 ;  in  1900  it  was 
1,015 ;  in  1910,  1,014  and  in  1920,  964. 

OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  serving  as  the  township  officials  of  Alden  Town- 
ship:  supervisor,  H.  G.  Durkee;  assessor,  J.  L.  Baldock;  clerk,  E.  M. 
Fink;  highway  commissioner,  E.  C.  Hammond;  justices  of  the  peace, 
A.  L.  Disbrow  and  William  W.  Fleming;  constable,  J.  H.  Carbrey. 


CHAPTER  XXIV 
ALGONQUIN  TOWNSHIP 

Bill   NDARIES — ORIGIN"    OF     NAME TOPOGRAPHY — EARLY    SETTLERS — PIONEER 

i;\  ENTS — POPULATION — ALGONQUIN    VILLAGE — POST   OFFICE — MUNICIPAL 
HISTORY — PUBLIC  IMPROVEMENTS — CITY  OF  CRYSTAL  LAKE — l'OST  OFFICE 
—  MUNICIPAL     HISTORY — CITY    OFFICIALS    BY     YEARS — PUBLIC     IMPROVJ 
MENTS — VILLAGE  OP  CARY — BUSINESS  INTERESTS — TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Iii  the  southeastern  part  of  McHenry  County  is  found  Algonquin 
Township;  it  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Nunda  Township;  on  the  east  by 
Lake  County;  on  the  south  by  Kane  County,  and  on  the  west  by  Grafton 
Township. 

ORIGIN'   OF   NAME 

Before  the  adoption  of  the  township  organization,  this  section  of  the 
county  was  known  as  Fox  Township.  When  a  name  was  required  for 
this  new  township,  Samuel  Edwards,  formerly  of  Philadelphia,  suggested 
the  name  Algonquin.  In  his  youth  he  had  been  a  sailor  on  a  boat  by 
that  name,  and  he  desired  to  thus  commemorate  a  happy  period  of  his 
life.  The  name  met  with  the  approval  of  all  who  had  charge  of  such 
naming,  and  it  was  adopted. 

TOPOGRAPHY 


Algonquin  Township  is  more  broken  than  any  other  township  within 
the  county,  there  being  many  bluffs  and  hills  in  the  region  of  Algonquin 
village  and  in  fact  all  along  the  Fox  River.  The  land  is  about  equally 
divided  between  prairie  and  timber.  It  is  adapted  to  both  small  grain 
and  pasture  lands  and  is  used  for  such  purposes.  Crystal  Lake  lies  in 
section  6  of  this  township,  and  runs  over  into  a  portion  of  Grafton 
Township.     From  it  flows  the  outlet  of  the  lake  thai  joins  the  Fox  River 

358 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  359 

at  the  village  of  Algonquin.    Big  Spring  Creek  is  another  water  course 
found  within  the  township. 

EARLY  SETTLERS 

The  first  settler  to  locate  in  this  county  chose  Algonquin  Township 
for  his  new  home.  He  was  Samuel  Gillian,  and  he  located  in  section  23, 
on  the  west  bank  of  Fox  River,  November  18,  1834.  John  Gillian  came 
soon  thereafter,  and  he  settled  on  the  east  bank  of  Pox  River.  Levi 
Seebert  arrived  in  1837 ;  Hosea  Throop  was  a  settler  of  1839 ;  and  New- 
man Crabtree,  Simon  Chandler,  Thomas  Chunn,  Beman  Crandall, 
William  King,  Isaac  Denney,  Edwin  Powell,  Major  Beardsley,  John 
Kern,  Isaac  King,  Wesley  Hiekox,  Dr.  Plumleigh,  Dr.  Cornish  and  John 
Brink  with  possibly  others  made  up  the  first,  settlements. 

PIONEER    EVENTS 

The  first  white  child  to  be  born  in  this  township  was  William  Beards- 
ley,  son  of  Abner  Beardsley  and  wife,  who  came  into  the  world  in  1837. 
Franklin  Wallace  and  Hannah  S.  Beardsley  were  married  by  Benjamin 
( 'randall,  a  justice  of  the  peace,  in  1839,  and  theirs  was  the  first  marriage 
in  Algonquin  township.  The  first  person  to  die  in  the  township  was 
Delia,  daughter  of  Samuel  Gillian  and  wife,  when  she  was  about  fifteen 
years  old,  August  26,  1835. 

The  first  saw-mill  was  built  on  Crystal  Lake  outlet  by  Benjamin 
Douglas  and  Colonel  Hoffman  in  1839;  and  the  second  one  was  built  in 
1842,  by  A.  Dawson,  who  located  at  Algonquin  in  1848.  This  last  was 
completed  in  1849  by  Henry  Petrie.  A  brick-mill  was  built  in  the 
village  in  1850  by  Dr.  Plumleigh. 

The  schools  and  churches  are  all  treated  in  special  chapters  on  these 
topics  in  this  volume. 

POPULATION 

In  1890  the  population  of  this  township  was  3,675;  in  1900  it  was 
3,043;  in  1910  it  was  2,512;  and  in  1920  it  was  3,528. 

ALGONQUIN    VILLAGE 

This  is  the  oldest  village  in  this  county,  having  been  first  laid  out 
in  1836  by  Dawson  &  Powell,  the  platting  being  accepted  and  recorded 


360  HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

in  1844.  Prior  to  the  hiving  out  of  the  place  Mr.  Powell  had  erected  a 
residence  on  the  present  site  of  the  village.  The  first  store  was  eon- 
ducted  in  L837  by  Dr.  Cornish.     Henry  Tubbs  was  the  first  wagonmaker; 

Henry  lienl  husean.  was  the  first  blacksmith;  and  <  >.  Leach  the  first  shoe- 
maker, while  William  Clark  was  the  first  tailor.  At  one  time  William 
Powell  owned  all  of  the  original  site  of  Algonquin  and  he  built  the  first 
hotel  in  1840.  It  was  a  log  structure,  to  which  he  added  a  frame  build- 
ing, in  1850.  In  1858,  the  whole  building  was  torn  down  and  a  new  one 
erected  by  James  Dixon  and  John  Gillian,  and  later  it  became  the  prop- 
erty of  Charles  Pingree. 

POST  OFFICE 

A  post  office  was  established  at  this  point  in  1836,  and  it  was  the 
first  in  the  township.  Dr.  Cornish  was  the  first  to  serve  as  postmaster. 
He  was  succeeded  by  the  following:  Isaac  Denney,  John  Peter  (deputy), 
John  Sears,  Charles  Chunn,  Eli  Henderson,  Peter  Potter,  Samuel  Finch, 
Col.  William  Henry,  C.  C.  Chunn,  John  Adamak,  C.  C.  Chunn,  John  T. 
Kalahan,  Nettie  Threadgold  (many  years)  with  present  postmaster  John 
T.  Kalahan. 

This  is  a  third-class  post  office  and  has  one  rural  free  delivery  route 
extending  to  the  surrounding  country.  To  show  that  this  is  an  early 
post  office  it  only  need  be  stated  that  the  office  was  established  under 
President  Andrew  Jackson. 

PRESENT  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  present  officials  of  Algonquin :  president,  Willis 
T.  Peter;  clerk,  George  Dewitt  Keyes;  treasurer,  Louis  J.  Lehky; 
magistrate,  Harvey  J.  Weir ;  marshal,  John  Dvorak,  Jr. ;  attorney, 
Charles  T.  Allen ;  trustees,  Clarence  Franke,  Frank  Dvorak,  Ernest 
Reimer,  Fred  Duensing,  Albert  Wilbrandt  and  Herman  Mertens. 

The  enterprising  little  city  in  1907  erected  a  fine  two-story  brick  city 
building  at  a  cost  of  $10,000.  This  provides  a  home  and  protection  for 
all  the  city  property,  fire  department,  city  offices  and  jail.  In  the  western 
portion  of  the  village  is  found  a  nice  public  park.  Nature  has  made  the 
spot  charming  and  a  gushing  spring  of  pure  water  offers  an  appreciated 
refreshment. 

PUBL"IC   IMPROVEMENTS 

In  18D6  the  city  installed  its  first  and  really  its  present  system  of 
water  works  which  consists  of  piping  from  the  business  part  of  the  town 


v. 


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c 


3 


y- 

o 


EC 


HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY  361 

to  a  distance  of  seventy-three  feet  above  the  river-bed,  to  a  point  on 
the  hillside  when'  was  discovered  a  strong  spring  of  the  best  drinking 
water  to  be  had  anywhere  in  Illinois.  For  fire  purposes  other  lines  of 
piping  extend  further  on  up  the  hill  to  a  distance  of  147  feet,  where 
was  erected  a  basin  in  which  sufficient  water  is  forced  to  meet  any  de- 
mand in  case  of  tire.  This  whole  system  is  "natural  direct  pressure"' 
and  affords  a  splendid  water  system,  such  as  is  seldom  found  in  prairie 
sections.  The  common  pressure  is  about  eighty  pounds  per  square  inch. 
The  fire  company  is  the  ordinary  volunteer  company  of  fifteen  men, 
with  Peter  Serrs  as  present  chief.  The  city  has  two  hose  carts,  each 
having  800  feet  of  good  hose ;  a  chemical  engine  holding  forty-five  gal- 
lons ;  hook  and  ladders,  and  other  appliances. 

CITY  OP  CRYSTAL  LAKE 

What  was  first  known  as  the  village  of  Crystal  Lake  is  now  a  city 
and  governed  by  a  board  of  aldermen  and  a  mayor.  This  place  was 
platted  by  Benjamin  Douglas  and  others  in  August,  1837,  but  not 
recorded  until  1840.  From  an  old  county  directory  it  is  learned  thai 
in  1877  the  village  then  had  three  general  stores.  Hill,  Fitch  &  Marlow 
,and  Buckholtz  &  Dj-deman  were  early  business  firms.  T.  G.  Ashton  con- 
ducted a  hotel.  It  will  be  understood  that  a  part  of  present  Crystal  Lake 
city  was  once  within  the  incorporation  of  Nunda  village  and  its  early 
history  will  be  treated  in  the  history  of  Nunda  Township. 

Aside  from  the  above  named  business  interests  it  should  be  stated  in 
this  connection  that  for  many  years  the  ice  taken  from  the  lake  near 
Crystal  Lake  has  been  cut  and  shipped  to  Chicago,  where  the  name 
sells  the  product,  while  it  is  said,  however,  that  much  sold  under  this 
catchy  name  came  from  some  dirty  pond  much  nearer  Chicago.  The 
land  containing  this  beautiful  lake  has  been  the  subject  of  much  recent 
litigation,  and  the  question  of  ownership  is  still  in  the  courts. 

Three  miles  distant  from  the  city  of  Crystal  Lake  is  located  the 
celebrated  Terra  Cotta  plant,  where  sometimes  300  men  are  employed, 
although  during  the  World  War  the  number  was  cut  down  materially. 
Where  this  plant  stands  is  known  on  railroad  maps  as  Terra  Cotta. 

The  great  bottling  plant  of  the  Bowman  Dairy  Company  is  located 
right  in  the  town  and  handles  all  the  vast  amount  of  milk  produced  in 
the  surrounding  country,  instead  of  it  being  shipped  direct  to  the  city. 
At  this  plant  are  bottled  and  shipped  to  Chicago  four  carloads  of  bottled 
milk  daily. 


362 


HISTORY  OF  McHEXRY  COUNTY 


POST  OFFH  i: 

An  exact  list  of  postmasters  at  this  office  cannot  be  now  obtained 
with  any  degree  of  certainty,  but  it  is  known  to  be  an  old  post  office 
and  Mrs.  De  Grushe  was  in  charge  of  the  office  many  years  ago.  It  was 
probably  about  1840  when  the  office  was  established.  Among  the  post- 
masters  recalled  by  present  settlers  were:  Mrs.  De  Grushe.  E.  G. 
McCollum,  A.  s.  Corl,  John  McWhorter  and  present  postmaster,  Henry 
shales.  The  office  is  now  of  the  third  class.  At  one  time  it  had  three 
rural  free  deliveries  hut  of  late  only  two  routes  are  provided  by  the 
department. 

MUNICIPAL  HISTORY 


From  the  revised  ordinance  book  of  the  City  of  Crystal  Lake,  pub- 
lished in  191o  the  following  historic  facts  have  been  gleaned.  The 
history  of  certain  incorporations,  under  the  name  of  Xunda..  North 
Crystal  Lake  and  Crystal  Lake,  make  the  understanding  to  present-day 
people  quite  difficult,  but  the  following  will  serve  to  make  all  clear.  The 
names  and  dates  can  be  relied  upon,  coming  from  authority  of  mayor 
and  councilmen. 

North  Crystal  Lake  was  originally  incorporated  as  the  village  of 
Xunda.  January  24,  1>74.  under  a  legislative  act  dated  April  10.  1>7_ 
The  petition  fur  incorporation  was  filed  in  the  County  Court  of  McHenry 
County  by  Josiah  Walkup  and  others  December  30.  1873.  and  January 
5,  1874.  County  Judge  B.  X.  Smith  ordered  an  election  to  be  held  Janu- 
ary 24.  that  year,  and  appointed  as  judges  of  such  election  0.  M.  Peck. 
Edgar  Beckley  and  Amos  Pettibone.  and  as  clerks.  Xajah  Beardsley  and 
W.  K.  Hale.  The  records  show  that  sixty-two  votes  were  cast  thereat, 
all  of  said  voters  being  in  favor  of  such  incorporation.  On  February  17. 
the  same  year,  C.  E.  Warner.  X.  Beardsley.  W.  S.  DeWolf,  R.  Rowley.  < ». 
Mansfield  and  A.  A.  Pettibone  were  elected  trustees  of  the  incorporation. 
The  name  of  the  village  of  Xunda  was  changed  to  Xorth  Crystal  Lake 

in  1908. 

The  village  of  Crystal  Lake  was  organized  under  the  general  pro- 
vision passed  April  10.  1572.  James  (row.  T.  II.  Ashton  and  J.  B. 
Robinson  having  been  appointed  by  the  court  of  McHenry  County  as 
judges  of  an  election  to  decide  by  ballot  the  question  whether  or  not  they 
would  incorporate  as  a  village  under  said  law:  an  election  was  held 
Jamiarv  10.  1874.     The  returns  showed  that  there  had  been  cast  forty- 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  363 

nine  votes  for  such  incorporation  and  six  against  the  measure.  The 
court  then  ordered  an  election  of  officers  which  resulted  in  the  election 
of  trustees  as  follows:  William  Miller,  John  Brink,  Thomas  Leonard, 
B.  Carpenter,  II.  II.  Ford,  and  L.  D.  Lowell.  Hence  it  will  be  seen  that 
two  incorporated  villages  existed  side  by  side  for  a  considerable  number 
of  years.  It  was  not  until  1914  that  the  villages  of  North  Crystal  Lake 
and  Crystal  Lake  were  consolidated  under  the  name  of  Crystal  Lake. 
II  was  on  April  21,  1914,  that  this  was  legally  brought  about,  and  in 
September,  the  same  year,  the  place  adopted  a  city  form  of  government. 
The  first  officers  were  elected  December  14,  1914,  to  hold  office  until  April. 
1915.  The  first  set  of  officers  were  as  follows:  William  Pinnow,  mayor; 
John  C.  Flotow,  city  clerk;  James  B.  Ford,  city  treasurer;  Herman  P. 
Hasse,  city  attorney  and  William  M.  Freeman,  Henry  Meyer,  A.  M. 
Shelton,  W.  J.  Buchholz,  Andrew  Pierson  and  Henry  Breudigam,  alder- 
men. 

The  officers  elected  in  the  spring  of  1915  were:  William  Pinnow, 
mayor;  John  C.  Floto,  city  clerk;  Jennie  H.  Ford,  city  treasurer; 
Herman  P.  Hasse,  city  attorney;  and  Andrew  Pierson,  Henry  Meir, 
A.  M.  Shelton,  W.  J.  Bruedigam,  Martin  Xaslund,  Addison  M.  Shelton. 
William  M.  Freeman,  Henry  Meier,  aldermen. 

February  2,  1915,  the  city  census  returns  was  taken  showing  a  popu- 
lation of  the  city  of  Crystal  Lake  to  be  2,364  and  the  city  was  thereupon 
divided  into  three  wards,  two  aldermen  to  be  elected  annually  for  each 
ward.  May  4,  1915,  the  aldermen  by  lot  decided  to  hold  office  the 
following  terms :  First  ward,  Henry  Bruedigam,  one  year ;  Andrew  Pier- 
son, two  years;  second  ward,  A.  M.  Shelton,  one  year;  Martin  Naslund, 
two  years:  third  ward,  Henry  Meier,  one  year;  William  M.  Freeman, 
t  wo  years. 

CITY  OFFICIALS 

1887— J.  H.  Sheldon,  president;  I.  M.  Mallory,  clerk. 
1888— W.  T.  Hamilton,  president;  I.  M.  Mallory,  clerk. 
1.SS9— 0.  C.  Colby,  president  ;  ( '.  E.  Warner,  clerk. 
1890-91— W.  T.  Hamilton,  president;  T.  Huffman,  clerk. 
1892—0.  C.  Colby,  president ;  T.  Huffman,  clerk. 
1S93— D.  L.  Borney,  president ;  A.  S.  Cool,  clerk. 
1894— D.  L.  Borney,  president ;  B.  W.  Colby,  clerk. 
1895— C.  C.  Watson,  president ;  I.  M.  Mallory,  clerk. 
1896 — C.  C.  Watson,  president ;  D,  L.  Borney,  clerk. 


364  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

1897 — I'.  A.  England,  president;  D.  L.  Borney,  clerk. 
L898     P.  A.  England,  president  ;  W.  'I'.  Huffman,  clerk. 
L899  -('.  ('.  Watson,  president;  W.  T.  Huffman,  clerk. 
1900 — ('.  ('.  Watson,  presidenl  ;  A.  .1.  Thompson,  clerk. 
1901 — 1'.  A.  England,  president;  A.  J.  Thompson,  clerk. 
1902 — Robt.  Philips,  president;  A.  J.  Thompson,  clerk. 
1903 — Robt.  Philips,  president;  A.  J.  Thompson,  clerk. 
1904 — Kohl .  Philips,  president;  A.  .J.  Thompson,  clerk. 
1905 — Robt.  Philips,  president;  A.  J.  Thompson,  clerk. 
1906 — Robt.  Philips,  president ;  A.  J.  Thompson,  clerk. 
1907 — Robt.  Philips,  presidenl  ;  A.  J.  Thompson,  clerk. 
1908 — Robt.  Philips,  president;  A.  J.  Thompson,  clerk. 

NAME  CHANGED  TO  NORTH   CRYSTAL  LAKE 

1909-10— H.  D.  Hull,  president;  H.  II.  McCollum,  clerk. 
1911— F.  W.  Covalt,  president;  II.  II.  .McCollum,  clerk. 
1912— F.  W.  Covalt,  president ;  A.  E.  Kiest,  clerk. 
II.  D.  Hull,  president;  John  C.  Flotow,  clerk. 

The  village  of  North  Crystal  Lake  was  annexed  to  Crystal  Lake  in 
the  spring  of  1914.  The  subjoined  is  a  list  of  officers  serving  in  Crystal 
Lake  from  its  organization  to  the  time  it  was  united  with  North  Crystal 
Lake,  as  well  as  present  consolidated  incorporation  officials: 

1882— J.  W.  Marlow,  president ;  Thomas  Ford,  clerk. 
1883— William  Hill,  president ;  Thomas  Ford,  clerk. 
1884 — E.  Pease,  president ;  L.  L.  Smith,  clerk. 
1885 — E.  Pease,  president;  J.  B.  Robinson,  clerk. 
1886— Geo.  W.  Davis,  president;  J.  P.  Smith,  clerk. 
1887— C.  M.  Pendleton,  president;  J.  P.  Smith,  clerk. 
1888— W.  A.  Rollins,  president ;  J.  B.  Ford,  clmk. 
18S9— F.  E.  Cox,  president ;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1890— Thomas  Whittaker,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1891— Thomas  Whittaker,  president ;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1892— H.  H.  Ford,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1893— H.  T.  Jones,  president ;  A.  II.  Hale,  clerk. 
1894 — Thomas  Whittaker,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1895 — J.  B.  Robinson,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1896— C.  F.  Dike,  president ;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1897— II.  T.  Jones,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  3G5 

1898 — S.  M.  Grimes,  president;  G.  Peterson,  clerk. 
1899— J.  B.  Moore,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1900 — J.  B.  Robinson,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1901— C.  F.  Dike,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1902— C,  F.  Dike,  president ;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1903— A.  M.  Hale,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1904 — O.  M.  Hale,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1905-7— C.  F.  Dike,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1907-8— R,  G.  Smith,  president ;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1909-13— C.  F.  Dike,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 
1914— P.  w.  Ranhut,  president;  J.  B.  Ford,  clerk. 

September,  1914,  the  city  form  of  government  was  adopted  through 
an  election  and  officers  held  over  until  December,  1914,  when  the  first 
city  officers  were  elected  and  took  office.  The  same  held  only  until  the 
ensuing  spring  election. 

1914 — William  Pinnow,  mayor;  John  C.  Flotow,  clerk. 
1915-16 — Wm.  Pinnow,  mayor;  John  C.  Flotow,  clerk. 
1917-18 — W.  A.  Goodwin,  mayor;  John  C.  Flotow,  clerk. 

PRESENT  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  present  officials  of  the  city  of  Crystal  Lake : 
mayor,  W.  A.  Goodwin ;  clerk,  John  C.  Flotow ;  health  commissioner, 
H.  D.  Hull ;  treasurer,  Carl  Ortman ;  magistrate,  C.  H.  Schlottman ; 
attorney,  L.  D.  Lowell ;  aldermen,  Fred  Peterson,  Henry  Bruedigam, 
Henry  Meier,  G.  D.  Crabtree,  Mort  Ritt  and  J.  B.  Kitchen. 

PUBLIC  IMPROVEMENTS 

In  1906-07  a  city  building  was  constructed  of  brick.  It  cost  $8,000. 
The  second  floor  is  leased  out  to  various  lodges,  while  the  ground  floor 
is  used  by  the  councilmen  and  for  other  municipal  purposes. 

A  public  park  comprising  a  full  city  block  has  been  improved,  trees 
have  been  planted,  seats  furnished,  and  a  band-stand  erected,  so  that  it 
is  an  attractive  resort  for  the  people  of  this  region. 

The  water  supply  was  furnished  in  both  the  old  village  of  Nunda  in 
1903  and  in  the  other  part  of  the  city  in  1912.  Deep  wells  are  used  and 
water  is  forced  from  the  same  by  electric  pumps,  giving  a  direct  pressure. 
There  are  now  two  stand-pipes. 


366  HISTORY  OF  M<  IIKXRY  COUNTY 

The  city  has  a  volunteer  fire  company  of  a  dozen  men  and  in  1913 
purchased  at  a  cost  of  $4,800  a  fine  auto-fire  truck. 

Light  is  furnished  by  the  Public  Service  Company,  which  supplies  so 
many  small  towns  in  this  portion  of  Northern  Illinois. 

VILLAGE   OF   CARY 

Cary  in  the  northeast  quarter  of  section  13  of  Algonquin  Township 
is  a  station  point  on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  railroad  and  the  first 
southeast  of  Crystal  Lake.  It  was  laid  out  June  7,  1856,  by  William  D. 
Cary  and  became  a  post  office  in  1856,  with  James  Nish  as  first  post- 
master. He  was  succeeded,  when  he  entered  the  Civil  War.  by  his  brother 
John  Nish.  who  served  until  relieved  by  II.  M.  Burton,  who  was  post- 
master for  two  years  and  was  followed  by  Robert  Burk,  and  he  by  James 
Nish.  who  had  returned  from  war  with  the  rank  of  captain,  and  he 
served  until  his  death,  when  his  daughter,  Miss  Ann  J.  Nish,  was  ap- 
pointed and  served  until  in  the  Democratic  administration  of  President 
Wilson.  Mary  H.  Hrdlioka  was  appointed,  the  date  of  her  appointment 
being  December  8,  1913.  This  is  a  fourth  class  post  office  and  from  it 
runs  one  rural  delivery  route. 

Cary  became  an  incorporated  village,  January  9,  1893,  and  the  follow- 
ing have  been  among  its  presidents:  L.  E.  Mentch,  G.  A.  Ellingson, 
Theodore  H.  Wulff,  J.  F.  Pichen,  F.  M.  Abbott,  aud  in  1909  L.  E.  Mentch 
was  elected  again,  and  he  was  followed  by  Ralph  B.  Powers.  From  an 
ordinance  hook  kept  by  the  trustees  the  following  is  found :  At  the  first 
election  for  incorporation,  ordered  by  Judge  C.  H.  Donnelly,  February 
27.  1893,  to  be  held  March  4.  1893,  the  following  were  elected:  L.  E. 
.Mentch.  president;  Ed.  Kerns.  Joe  Dunn.  Z.  L.  Blaisdell,  E.  J.  King, 
J.  C.  Lemkee  and  S.  B.  McNett,  trustees :  II.  P.  Hoagland,  clerk. 

The  village  has  a  deep  well  water-works  system  ;  water  is  forced  by 
electricity  to  a  large  reservoir  and  a  stand-pipe  is  maintained  so  that 
plenty  of  water  is  had  at  all  times.  This  plant  was  placed  in  operation 
about  1910,  and  for  it  the  village  was  bonded  for  the  sum  of  $20,000. 
The  electric  lighting  of  the  place  is  done  by  a  private  corporation.  In 
1915  the  village  built  a  fine,  solid  village  hall  of  brick  and  cement.  It  is 
two-story  high  and  has  a  basement.  Ample  room  is  afforded  for  council 
room,  fire  department,  etc. 

PRESENT  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  village  officials  of  Cary  Station :  president, 
R.   B.  Powers:  clerk,  C.  W.  Meyer;  treasurer,  P.  J.  Bloner;  marshal, 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  367 

J.  A.  Parsley ;  attorney,  Charles  T.  Allen ;  trustees,  R.  II.  Grantham, 
A.  E.  Baheman,  A.  0.  Hack,  F.  D.  Smith,  F.  Krenz  and  0.  J.  Synek. 

TOWNSHIP    OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Algonquin  Township : 
supervisor,  R.  E.  Haeger ;  assessor,  Henry  Breudigam ;  clerk,  V.  N.  Ford ; 
highway  commissioner,  Ed  Wallace;  justices  of  the  peace,  L.  E.  Mentch, 
John  Buehler  and  Henry  Keyes ;  constable,  John  Purvey. 


CHAPTER  XXV 
BURTON  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARLY  SETTLEMENTS — EARLY  EVENTS — SPRING  GROVE  VILLAGE 
— INCORPORATION — POST  OFFICE — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Burton  Township  lias  the  least  area  of  any  township  in  this  county. 
It  contains  one-third  of  congressional  township  46,  range  9  and  lies  in  the 
extreme  northeastern  part  of  the  county.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  the  State  of  Wisconsin;  on  the  east  by  Lake  Count}-,  111.;  on  the  south 
by  McHenry  Township;  and  on  the  west  by  Richmond  Township.  It  is 
drained  by  Nippersink  Creek,  and  is  well  situated  and  by  nature  adapted 
to  high-class  agriculture  and  stockraising. 

EARLY  SETTLEMENT 

Burton  Township  was  among  the  first  to  be  settled.  It  was  first  set- 
tled by  Englishmen,  and  the  name  English  Prairie  was  given  it.  The 
original  settler  was  Jonathan  Imeson,  who  came  here  from  England  in 
1836  and  located  in  section  18  of  this  township,  and  in  18S5,  when  sev- 
enty-five years  old,  was  still  residing  on  this  land.  A  year  or  two  later 
Richard  Wray  settled  on  sections  17  and  18;  Stephen  Lawson  on  section 
18 ;  and  Martin  Hoffman,  William  Fowles,  Richard  Upston,  Joseph  Rice, 
John  A.  Mann,  and  Joseph  Blivin,  all  located  in  section  30. 

In  an  account  published  concerning  the  settlement  in  this  township, 
the  following  appears  and  is  too  good  to  be  lost  in  the  annals  of  the 
county:  "The  English  settlers,  after  their  arrival  staked  out  their 
claims  and  then  went  on  further  west  thinking  to  find  more  eligible 
lands.  But.  not  succeeding  in  this,  they  returned  to  their  first  choice 
only  to  find  that  a  Yankee  named  John  Sanborn  had  arrived  and  was 
occupying  their  claims.  They  asked  him  to  quit.  He  would  not.  Words 
multiplied,  but  with  this  result :  Sanborn  stayed  and  the  Englishmen 
stayed.     One  day  when  Sanborn  was  mowing,  a  dozen  or  more  of  his 

368 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  369 

neighbors  came  to  him  and  ordered  him  to  leave;  he  turned  upon  them 
with  his  scythe  and  drove  the  whole  crowd  away.  In  the  excitement 
Sanborn  lost  his  hat.  One  of  the  visitors  found  it  and  kept  it.  Sanborn 
went  bareheaded  for  several  months  until  he  could  find  time  to  go  to 
town  and  purchase  another.  There  was  a  long  time  that  an  unfriendly 
feeling  obtained  against  the  Englishmen  living  upon  the  "English 
Prairie"  and  any  other  class  who  might  come  in  to  settle  there.  John 
Sanborn  completed  his  days  in  the  spot  he  had  chosen  for  his  home." 

EARLY  EVENTS 

The  township  was  first  called  Kenton  by  Jackson  Wray,  but  upon 
it  being  learned  that  there  was  already  a  post  office  and  township  of 
Benton  in  Illinois,  the  name  was  changed  to  Burton. 

The  first  religious  services  within  the  township  were  held  at  the  resi- 
dence of  Jonathan  Imeson  in  1843.  The  minister  came  from  Kenosha, 
then  called  Southport,  to  conduct  them. 

Cemeteries  were  early  located  at  Spring  Grove,  English  Prairie. 
Stevens,  Cole's,  Sanborn's  and  Wray's. 

Soon  after  the  settlement  was  made  William  Stearns  taught  a  term 
of  school  having  fifteen  pupils.  The  building  in  which  it  was  taught 
was  a  log  one  on  the  Nippersink  Creek. 

The  first  death  known  among  white  people  here  was  that  of  Mrs. 
Frank  Richardson,  who  passed  away  in  the  autumn  of  1837. 

The  first  marriage  was  that  uniting  Jonathan  Imeson  and  Mary 
Wray,  November  30,  1837.  The  minister  who  performed  the  ceremony 
was  Rev.  Joel  Wheeler.  Their  first  son,  Robert  T.  Imerson,  was  the  first 
child  born  within  the  township. 

The  first  post  office  was  called  Blivin's  Mills.  It  was  established  in 
1851,  with  Joseph  Rice  as  postmaster.  Rice  held  the  office  during  his 
lifetime.  The  name  was  changed  to  Spring  Grove,  January  24,  1883. 
English  Prairie  post  office  was  established  about  1854.  Here  it  is  known 
that  the  postmasters  were :  Gideon  B.  Cooley,  Harvey  Wilson  and  Carl 
C.  Mead. 

SPRING  GROVE  VILLAGE 

This  little  village  takes  its  name,  evidently,  from  the  spring,  and  the 
beautiful  grove  that  once  surrounded  it,  which  was  viewed  by  the  pioneer 
band  who  first  located  here.     It  was  laid  out  in  1845  by  Mr.  Barnum. 


370  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

William  Fowles  and  Richard  Robinson  built  a  log  house  east  of  the 
grove,  and  these  constituted  the  first  cabins  in  the  place.  John  E.  .Mann 
opened  the  first  store  in  1845. 

A  grist-mill  and  cheese  factory  were  among  the  early  industries  at 
this  point.  Here  Joseph  Rice  built  and  conducted  a  hotel  in  1848,  con- 
tinuing it  until  1868. 

INCORPORATION 

This  place  was  legally  incorporated  October  6,  1902.  The  following 
is  a  list  of  the  various  presidents  and  clerks  to  the  present  date:  Wil- 
liam Seaver,  president  November,  1902,  to  May,  1903 ;  William  B.  Johon- 
note,  village  clerk,  November,  1902,  to  May,  1903 ;  Charles  G.  Andrews, 
president,  May  1,  1903,  to  May  1,  1904;  D.  W.  Lichty,  clerk,  May  1, 
1903,  to  May  1,  1904;  Anton  Schoefer,  president,  May,  1904,  to  May, 
1905;  Nick  N.  Weber,  clerk,  May,  1904,  to  May,  1905;  Joseph  Meredith, 
president.  May,  1905,  to  May,  1906 ;  Nick  N.  Weber,  clerk,  May,  1905,  to 
May,  1906 ;  John  Wagner,  president,  May,  1906,  to  May,  1907 ;  Nick  N. 
Weber,  clerk,  May,  1906,  to  May,  1907;  John  Wagner,  president  from 
May  1,  1907,  to  January,  1908;  Otto  Hasse  filled  out  unexpired  term  to 
May,  1909;  John  Karls,  clerk,  1907-08;  Herbert  R.  Peacock  appointed 
to  fill  term  out  to  May,  1909;  Anton  Schoefer,  president,  May,  1909, 
to  1910;  Howard  Westlake,  clerk,  1909  to  1910;  William  Rauen,  clerk 
from  May,  1910  to  1912 ;  Anton  Schoefer,  president,  1911  to  1913 ;  Wil- 
liam Rauen,  clerk,  May,  1912,  to  May,  1913,  resigned,  Albert  Pepping 
appointed  to  fill  vacancy  to  May  1,  1914;  John  Karls,  president,  May, 
1913,  to  May,  1914;  Glen  Esh,  clerk,  from  May,  1916,  to  May,  1918; 
John  Karls,  president,  May,  1917,  to  May,  1919 ;  Glen  Esh,  clerk,  May, 
1918,  to  May,  1920;  Joseph  Wagner,  president,  May,  1919,  to  May,  1921. 

The  following  are  the  present  officials  of  the  village  of  Spring  Grove : 
president,  Joseph  G.  Wagner;  clerk,  Glen  A.  Esh;  treasurer,  Paul  F. 
Siegler ;  trustees,  John  Rauen,  Anton  May,  Frank  May,  Frank  Wagner, 
Nick  Freund  and  Henry  Sweet. 

POST  OFFICE 

The  first  post  office  in  this  township  was  known  as  Blivin's  Mills, 
and  was  established  in  1851,  with  Joseph  Rice  as  postmaster.  He  was 
succeeded  by  R.  J.  Osmann,  Mrs.  Rice,  widow  of  former  postmaster, 
and  Robert  Tweed,  who  held  the  office  until  at  least  1885,  since  which 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  371 

time  the  postmasters  have  been:  John  Hendricks,  Andrew  Neish,  Robert 
Esh,  Andrew  Neish,  J.  0.  McLeon,  Herbert  Peacock,  Mrs.  Sarah  Free- 
man, who  was  appointed  in  1915.  It  is  a  fourth  class  post  office,  with 
one  rural  free  delivery  route,  the  length  of  which  is  about  twenty-eight 
miles ;  covers  a  ten  mile  square  area  and  accommodates  ninety-six  fam- 
ilies and  a  population  of  nearly  300.    It  was  established  October  7,  1905. 

POPULATION 

In  1890  Burton  Township  had  a  population  of  296 ;  in  1900  it  had 
400 ;  in  1910  it  had  451 ;  and  in  1920  it  had  441. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Burton  Township :  Super- 
visor, Frank  May ;  assessor,  Henry  C.  Sweet ;  clerk,  Joseph  Brown ; 
highway  commissioner,  Howard  Siedschlag;  justice  of  the  peace,  Robert 
Esh ;  constable,  Michael  Rauen. 


CHAPTER  XXVI 
CHEMUNG  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — TOPOGRAPHY ORIGIN'    OF    NAME — EARLY    SETTLERS VILLAGE 

OF   CHEMUNG CITY  OF   HARVARD EARLY   EVENTS — HARVARD  IN   1876 

HARVARD  IN  1885 INCORPORATION — PRESENT  OFFICIALS — PUBLIC  IM- 
PROVEMENTS— POST  OFFICE — INDUSTRIES  —  CEMETERY  —  POPULATION  — 
TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Chemung  Township  is  located  in  the  extreme  northwestern  portion 
of  this  county,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Wisconsin,  on  the  east 
by  Ahlen  Township,  on  the  south  by  Dunham  Township,  and  on  the  west 
by  Boone  County.    It  comprises  all  of  congressional  township  45,  range  5. 

TOPOGRAPHY 

This  township  originally  had  more  low  wet  land  than  any  of  the 
other  townships,  but  through  a  course  of  scientific  draining  this  land 
has  come  to  be  very  valuable,  having  as  it  does  the  richest  of  soil.  Piska- 
saw  Creek  and  its  three  branches,  are  its  principal  water  courses. 

ORIGIN"  OF   NAME 

The  name  Chemung  was  given  the  village  of  Chemung  before  the 
township  was  organized,  by  a  Mr.  Steward  who  came  from  Chemung 
County.  X.  V.,  and  he  desired  to  name  the  place  after  his  old  home. 
The  township  was  organized  in  1850,  and  took  on  the  name  of  the 
village. 

EARLY  SETTLERS 

Between  1836  and  1S38  the  following  came  into  the  township  for 
the   purpose   of   making   permanent    settlement:    George   Trumbull.    M. 

372 


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V. 

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HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  373 

Wheeler,  Wesley  Digging,  Alonzo  Riley,  and  William  Hart,  and  these 
were  the  first  to  effect  the  settlement,  although  it  has  been  claimed  that 
the  two  brothers,  David  and  Ransley  Shaw  lived  here  for  a  brief  time. 
David  Smith,  T.  B.  Wakeinan  and  Daniel  and  Adolphus  Hutchinson 
came  here  several  years  later. 

Between  1840  and  1845  William  Sewer  built  a  saw-mill  which  finally 
became  a  flour-mill,  and  in  1853  Mr.  Myer  built  the  stone-mill  in  the 
village  of  Chemung,  later  owned  by  the  Sandersons.  In  the  seventies 
and  eighties  this  mill  was  doing  a  large  business  in  grinding  buckwheat 
flour  for  the  Chicago  markets. 

The  settlement  of  the  township  was  about  the  palmy  days  of  Jack- 
sonian  Democracy,  and  Whigs  were  not  very  numerous,  but  the  five  of 
them  including  W.  G.  Hillings;  who  later  was  made  internal  revenue 
collector,  Hayden  Hutchinson,  and  C.  R.  Brown,  just  enough  for  a 
caucus,  kept  up  the  party  organization  till  tlTey  finally  carried  the  county. 

The  first  church  in  the  township  was  erected  by  the  Presbyterians, 
at  Chemung  village.  This  original  church  was  replaced  in  1873  by  a 
new  structure. 

David  Baker  and  S.  L.  Puffer  were  the  first  general  merchants  at 
Chemung  village. 

LAWRENCE 

The  old  village  of  Lawrence,  sections  22  and  27.  was  settled  in 
1855,  the  railroad  depot  being  built  in  1856.  Bixby  &  Cnnklin  first 
offered  goods  for  sale,  but  ere  long  three  others  went  into  trade,  be- 
lieving that  the  depot  at  that  point  would  eventually  kill  Chemuug. 
G.  F.  Kasson  and  G.  Blakeslee  next  began  business,  but  it  was  not  long 
before  the  store  was  burned.  This  village  was  named  for  Lawrence 
Bixby,  its  first  merchant.  In  1857  a  steam  flouring  mill  was  operated, 
but  did  not  pay  and  was  soon  abandoned. 

Lawrence  had  a  post  office  several  years,  but  when  the  railroad  shops 
were  located  at  Harvard  all  business  drifted  to  that  village  and  since  then 
Lawrence  has  not  progressed  commercially. 

Among  the  pioneer  dealers  in  Lawrence  may  be  recalled  by  the 
older  citizens  of  the  county,  W.  L.  Boyd,  R.  Gillis,  F.  Beidt,  E.  S.  Bowen. 
H.  S.  Gould,  C.  Palmer,  S.  Clark,  A.  Thompson  and  J.  L.  Anderson.  The 
business  of  the  village  has  long  since  disappeared  entirely. 


374  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

VILLAGE  OF   CHEMUNG 

Chemung  was  laid  out  in  1844,  but  like  Lawrence  has  suffered  from 
being  too  near  to  Harvard,  also  within  this  township.  The  first  house 
in  Chemung  was  erected  by  a  Mir.  Lewis  and  was  built  of  logs.  Burge 
&  Aisles  kept  the  first  store;  Mr.  Baker  the  second.  Other  business  men 
were:  Jacob  A.  Wood,  B.  F.  Carey,  A.  J.  DeGraw,  Peter  Fitzer,  Henry 
M  unger.  Householder  Brothers,  J.  P.  Kennedy,  E.  D.  Maxon,  S.  L. 
Puffer,  J.  A.  Little.  John  Alexander,  G.  I.  Sinderson,  "Warren  Chase. 
James  Potts  and  X.  Crane.  With  a  store  and  shop  or  two  Chemung  has 
kept  its  name  and  place  on  the  map  but  has  never  been  able  to  increase 
in  commercial  interest. 

CITY    OF    HARVARD 

This  city  is  sixty-three  miles  northwest  of  Chicago,  on  the  Chicago 
&  Northwestern  railroad,  and  is  beautifully  situated  in  section  35  of 
Chemung  Township.  It  was  platted  November  25,  1856  by  Amos  Page, 
proprietor!  Abraham  Carmack  and  Jacob  A.  Davis  were  the  original 
owners  of  the  town  site  of  Harvard,  having  obtained  it  from  the  govern- 
ment in  1845.  They  sold  it  to  Gilbert  Brainard,  and  after  his  death  the 
land  was  secured  by  a  company  of  railroad  men,  who  laid  out  the  town 
in  1856.  E.  G.  Aver,  a  member  of  the  company  named  the  place  Har- 
vard in  honor  of  Harvard,  Mass.  Many  additions  have  been  made  to  the 
place  with  the  growth  of  recent  years. 

EARLY  EVENTS 

In  1856  the  first  stock  of  merchandise  was  placed  on  the  shelves  in  the 
new  town  of  Harvard,  the  owner  of  these  goods  was  Charles  Crawford. 
His  store  was  in  reality  a  railroad  shanty.  Soon  after  Hull  &  Julius 
opened  their  store  in  a  one-story  log  cabin.  The  first  frame  building  was 
erected  by  J.  C.  Crum  on  the  corner  of  the  railroad  right-of-way  and 
the  crossing  of  Aver  street;  it  was  used  for  a  lumber  yard  office.  Mr. 
Crum  was  engaged  in  the  lumber  trade  before  the  coming  of  the  railroad. 
He  used  to  purchase  his  stock  of  lumber  in  Kenosha,  Wis.,  shipping  it 
to  Chicago  by  rail,  and  thence  back  to  Woodstock  by  rail,  and  from 
there  freighted  it.  The  first  frame  store  was  built  in  the  spring  of  1857 
by  John  Diggins.  The  earliest  blacksmith  was  H.  Norton ;  the  first 
wagonmaker  was  J.  Flemming;  the  first  shoemaker  was  Daniel  Carpenter. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  375 

The  first  hotel  of  note  was  that  erected  by  David  Smith  in  1856. 
Its  many  landlords  included  these:  J.  E.  Sanford,  Milton  Stevenson, 
William  Parker,  Lewis  Thompson,  Schuyler  Higgins  and  Everton  Walker 
who  called  the  property  the  "Walker  House." 

The  Ayer  Hotel,  still  standing  and  used  as  a  commercial  traveler's 
stopping  place,  was  erected  by  Wesley  Diggins  in  1859,  and  H.  C.  Black- 
man  became  proprietor.  At  first  it  backed  up  to  the  tracks  and  depot 
but  later  it  was  turned  around  and  now  faces  the  main  street  of  the  city ; 
also  a  part  of  it  faces  the  depot. 

HARVARD  IN    1876 

Fr.om  a  directory  of  McHenry  County  published  in  1876,  the  fol- 
lowing facts  concerning  Harvard  have  been  obtained,  and  when  con- 
trasted with  the  city  of  Harvard  of  today,  are  indeed  interesting. 

"Harvard  is  the  junior  town  of  Chemung,  and,  like  rnanj-  other  jun- 
iors, it  has  absorbed  the  substance  of  the  seniors  till  it  almost  rivals  the 
county  seat  in  size,  containing  five  dry  goods  stores,  four  grocery  stores, 
one  boot  and  shoe  store,  two  mixed  stores,  such  as  clothing,  boots  and 
shoes,  two  drug  stores,  two  hardwares,  eight  saloons,  two  livery  stables, 
two  bakeries,  three  confectioneries,  two  clothing  stores,  two  jewelry 
stores,  two  furniture  stores,  one  photograph  gallery,  three  hotels,  one 
bank,  five  doctors,  two  lawyers,  two  harness  shops,  one  flouring  mill,  one 
planing-mill,  sash  and  blind  factory,  three  millinery  stores,  one  dentist, 
one  news  depot,  two  barber  shops,  two  malt  houses,  one  cheese  factory, 
four  blacksmith  shops,  three  wagon  shops,  one  car  repair  shop,  three 
meat  shops,  one  agricultural  implement  warehouse,  three  churches  and 
a  schoolhouse. " 

A  steam  flouring  mill  was  built  here  in -1865  by  Mr.  Wood,  and  its 
total  cost  was  $15,000. 

The  first  store  was  that  opened  by  Holden  Julius  in  1857.  The  first 
school  building  was  erected  in  1859  of  brick. 

The  first  church  was  the  Methodist  Episcopal  one  erected  in  1859. 
The  Presbyterian,  built  in  1867  and  Congregationalist,  in  1870. 

Another  description  of  Harvard  in  1877  reads  thus:  "All  trains  of 
cars  shipped  from  Minnesota  or  Baraboo  to  Milwaukee  have  to  be  made 
up  here.  In  one  month  last  year  (1876)  there  were  9,918  cars  left 
here  to  be  made  up  into  trains.  Some  days  as  many  as  thirty  trains  are 
received  here  and  it  is  no  uncommon  sight  to  see  thirty  engines  in  town 
at  one  time.    Harvard  is  the  headquarters  for  all  division  men  to  Bara- 


:J76  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

boo.  About  125  railroad  men  work  here  constantly,  the  coal  sheds  alone 
employing  thirty  men:  the  engines  coming  here  consume  1,500  tuns  of 
coal  a  month,  and  the  company  pays  out  about  $8,000  here  each  month; 
no  small  item  for  so  small  a  town." 

lint  the  coming  and  going  of  years  make  changes,  especially  in  rail- 
mad  affairs.  Divisions  and  shops  are  liable  to  be  removed  at  anytime,  ;is 
the  railroad  system  extends  on  to  greater  distance,  so  it  has  been  in 
Harvard,  but  the  advantage  of  its  early  day  boom  has  left  its  mark  for 
good  and  other  enterprises  have  made  up  for  the  loss  of  what  was  once 
supposed  would  lie  still  larger  railroad  interests. 

HARVARD  ix   1885 

The  following  is  a  list  of  business  and  professional  men  at  Harvard 
prior  to  1885  and  during  that  year: 

Eugene  O'Connor,  Sterns  &  Peters,  Joseph  C.  Crumb,  A.  E.  Axtell, 
B.  J.  Smith,  J.  II.  O'Connor,  W.  II.  Milligan,  John  Cullen,  Thomas 
Collins,  Albert  Haffner,  Edward  Haffner.  George  Haffner,  Elmer  Car- 
penter, N.  L.  Jackson,  Aliles  Munger,  Haven  Bros.,  Thompson  &  Hodkins. 
Henry  Sewger,  John  Plemming,  E.  X.  Blake  &  Son,  Lewis  Whitmar, 
Gault  Bros,  Dr.  M.  A.  Adams,  Samuel  Richardson.  Groesbeek  &  Wilkin- 
son, Stafford  &  Gardner,  Edward  Rector,  J.  M.  O'Neil,  J.  Sullivan,  W.  C. 
Wellington,  L.  Van  Wie  &  Co.,  Hubbard  Bros.,  M.  J.  Powers,  Matthew 
Ottman,  II.  B.  Miner,  W.  B.  Walker,  Hunt  &  Helm,  Megraw  ly.  Wakley. 
Marshal  &  Saunders,  E.  D.  Beardsley,  H.  Wellstein,  L.  R.  Lines.  Lake  & 
Logue,  D.  C.  Downs,  Lake  &  Crumb.  W.  D.  Hall,  A.  W.  Young,  G.  R. 
Wager,  Telcomb  &  Co.,  William  Fay  &  Bro.,  George  Dueker,  Rupert 
Church,  J.  H.  Callender,  H.  W.  Binnie,  Williams  Bros.,  Rogers  &  Stevens, 
William  George  &  Co.,  Seott  &  Walfrom,  T.  G.  Spriggs,  Dr.  C.  M. 
Johnson,  B.  H.  Wade,  M.  D.,  A.  C.  Bingham,  II.  T.  Woodruff,  G.  W. 
Parmley,  Clark  &  Brainard,  G.  T.  Barrows.  Win.  I.  Wooster,  Elmer 
Simons.  Simon  Hill,  Richard  Powers,  Thomas  O'Brien,  Wallen  &  Sloey, 
William  McGee,  John  L.  Hayes,  E.  D.  Hayes,  Henry  Zyschach. 

IXCORPORATIOX 

Harvard  became  an  incorporated  village  February  28,  1867,  and  the 
following  were  the  first  officials:  H.  G.  Aver,  president:  William  Mar- 
shall, clerk.  The  trustees  were:  J.  C.  Crumb,  Frank  Cobb,  Owen  McGee, 
B.  F.  Groesbeek.     In  1891  Harvard  became  an  incorporated  city  and  its 


J^^T^l^^^^^^ 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  377 

affairs  have  usually  been  well  administered  to  the  best  interests  of  its 
population.  The  mayors  and  clerks  have  been  as  follows :  mayors,  N.  B. 
Helm,  P.  E.  Saunders,  M.  W.  Lake,  L.  A.  Gardner,  James  Logue,  John 
A.  Sweeney,  W.  D.  Hall,  Richard  Phalen,  J.  H.  Viekers,  C.  J.  Hendricks, 
F.  O.  Thompson. 

The  clerks  have  been  few  in  number  but  very  efficient.  From  about 
the  date  of  the  city's  beginning  P.  E.  Saunders  was  clerk  until  his 
death  in  1913,  when  his  son,  Eugene  Saunders,  the  present  clerk,  took  the 
office  and  has  attended  to  it  ever  since.  No  finer  set  of  city  records  (mostly 
reduced  to  typewriting)  can  be  seen  in  the  state  than  those  found  at 
Harvard. 

PRESENT  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  officials  of  the  city  of  Harvard:  mayor,  J.  (i. 
Maxon ;  clerk,  Eugene  Saunders ;  health  official,  Dr.  0.  W.  Goddard ; 
magistrate,  H.  S.  Williams;  treasurer,  E.  A.  Crumb;  attorney,  R.  F. 
Marshall ;  aldermen,  Jerome  Crowley,  J.  M.  Harris,  Benjamin  Hagar, 
H.  A.  Jordan,  Amos  G.  Smith,  and  F.  O.  Thompson. 

pubuc  improvement 

The  waterworks  were  established  at  Harvard  in  1891,  for  which  the 
city  has  been  variously  bonded,  and  for  which  some  bonds  are  still  un- 
paid. Water  is  obtained  from  two  deep  wells,  one  900  and  one  1,800 
feet,  and  these  furnish  an  abundant  supply  of  pure  water.  A  volunteer 
fire  company  of  sixteen  members  looks  after  the  fire  department.  In  1918 
a  +3.000  auto-fire-truck  was  purchased  by  the  city. 

The  city  receives  its  electric  lighting  from  the  Illinois  Northern 
Utility  Company  and  has  since  1911;  prior  to  that  private  concerns  fur- 
nished the  lights  of  Harvard. 

A  full  scpiare  in  the  center  of  the  city  is  devoted  to  public  park  pur- 
poses, however  it  has  not  been  much  improved. 

The  two  story  brick  city  hall  was  erected  in  1895. 

post  office 

Harvard  secured  a  post  office  in  1851.  Its  first  postmaster  was 
William  Randall;  he  was  succeeded  by  the  following  persons:  R.  W.  M. 
De  Lee,  A.  E.  Axtell,  J.  W.  Groesbeck  who  was  appointed  in  1880  and 


378 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


he  in  turn  by  Messrs.  J.  A.  Sweeney,  Dr.  Woodruff,  J.  A.  Sweeney,  M.  F. 
Walsh  and  M.  P.  O'Connor. 

There  are  numerous  rural  free  delivery  routes  out  from  Harvard;  the 
office  in  Harvard  is  well  managed  by  competent  help  and  general  satis- 
faction is  had  by  the  patrons  of  the  offiee. 

INDUSTRIES 

The  various  factory  interests  of  Harvard  include  the  branch  of  the 
famous  "Black  Cat"  Hosiery  Company  of  Kenosha,  Wis.,  the  Bowman 
Milk  Bottling  Works  and  the  Hunt,  Helm  &  Ferris  factory  which  are 
treated  in  another  chapter  of  this  work. 

CEMETERY 

Just  to  the  south  and  east  of  Harvard  is  found  the  beautiful,  though 
silent  city,  the  cemetery  which  was  laid  out  about  the  time  the  village 
of  Harvard  was  platted.  In  all  northern  Illinois  one  can  find  none  so 
beautiful  and  well  cared  for.  It  can  be  seen  from  incoming  trains,  as 
having  been  originally  planned,  and  is  annually  kept  up  to  a  high  state 
of  perfection.  The  shade  trees  and  flowers  in  season  are  indexes  to  the 
passerby  of  a  people  of  religious  and  cultivated  tastes.  This  is  indeed 
a  true  index  of  Christian  civilization,  proper  care  for  the  departed.  The 
monuments  erected  here  are  in  keeping  with  the  grounds  wherein  repose 
hundreds  of  Harvard's  deceased  pioneers  and  later  citizens. 

POPULATION' 

The  1910  Federal  census  reports  gave  Chemung  Township,  including 
Harvard  city,  a  population  of  4,101;  and  in  1920  it  was  4,421. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 


The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Chemung  Township :  super- 
visor, W.  H.  Ward ;  assessor,  John  Dean ;  clerk,  F.  0.  Thompson ;  high- 
way commissioner,  W.  D.  Cornwell ;  justices  of  the  peace,  John  T. 
O'Brien  and  Charles  J.  Yierek;  constables,  R.  W.  Hall,  James  Hagen 
and  Fred  Dean. 


CHAPTER  XXVII 
CORAL  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARLY     SETTLEMENTS INDIAN    VILLAGE — PIONEER    EVENTS — 

VILLAGE  OF  CORAL VILLAGE  OF  UNION — INCORPORATION — POST  OFFICE — 

DEFUNCT  HARMONY — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

In  the  southwestern  part  of  the  county  is  found  the  civil  township 
of  Coral,  which  comprises  all  of  congressional  township  43,  range  6, 
east,  hence  is  six  miles  square.  It  is  south  of  Seneca  Township,  west  of 
Grafton  Township,  north  of  Kane  County,  and  east  of  Riley  Township. 
Its  soil  is  fertile  and  especially  well  adapted  for  dairy  purposes.  The 
territory  is  well  watered  by  Kiswaukee  Creek  and  its  small  tributaries. 

EARLY   SETTLEMENT 

The  records  show  that  Coral  was  among  the  first  townships  in  the 
county  to  be  settled.  Its  first  settler  was  William  Hamilton,  who 
located  near  the  present  site  of  Coral  Village,  in  November,  1835,  but 
he  did  not  long  survive  his  migration  here  from  Ohio,  as  he  died  in  the 
following  spring  from  injuries  sustained  assisting  Calvin  Spencer  of 
Marengo,  to  raise  a  log  cabin.  The  next  to  locate  were  Benjamin  Van 
Vleet  and  his  father,  and  they  built  a  cabin  near  the  old  Indian  camping 
ground,  but  they  were  not  permanent  settlers,  for  in  1836  they  sold  to 
William  Jackson  and  moved  to  Pecatonica,  where  both  later  passed 
away.  0.  P.  Rogers  settled  here  March,  1836,  upon  a  claim  entered  for 
him  by  J.  Rogers  in  1835,  and  his  wife  was  the  first  white  woman  in 
the  township.  At  that  time  the  Rogers'  home  was  the  only  one  between 
Dundee  and  a  residence  three  miles  west  of  Elgin.  For  many  years 
Mr.  Rogers  lived  in  Coral  Township,  but  finally  removed  to  Marengo. 
Frank  Diggins  and  Enos  A.  Pease  came  to  this  township  in  1836,  to 
settle  on  a  claim  made  for  them  the  preceding  year.  Other  settlers  of 
1836  were:    L.   Thompson,   Clark  P.   Thompson,   Joseph   Bullard  and 

379 


380 


HISTORY  OF  McHEXRY  COUNTY 


Proctor  Smith.     A.  Thompson  came  in  1837,  as  did  John  Jab,  Robert 
Eddy,  A.  F.  Randall,  Sebas  Frisbie,  John  Denison  and  Ira  Nichols. 

INDIAN  VILLAGE 

Prior  to  the  white  settlement  in  Coral  Township,  there  stood  near 
the  present  site  of  the  village  of  Coral,  a  scattering  village  of  Indian 
wigwams.  From  one  of  the  earliest  publications  on  McHenry  County, 
the  following,  bearing  on  this  Indian  village,  is  quoted: 

"Among  these  wigwams  of  various  architectural  descriptions,  stood 
one  of  peculiar  formation,  being  conical  in  form.  This  round  building 
was  about  fourteen  feet  in  diameter.  Inside  were  placed  seats  which 
were  about  thirty  inches  wide,  and  formed  of  split  sticks.  It  is  believed 
that  these  were  used  during  the  daytime  at  council  meetings  as  places 
to  sit  on.  and  at  nighttime  as  bedsteads,  upon  which  they  spread  skins 
of  animals.  The  walls  presented  a  picture  gallery  of  a  one-idea  artist. 
Here  was  presented  the  picture  of  an  Indian  in  full  rig,  on  a  march, 
followed  by  a  squaw  on  a  pony  and  a  dog  in  the  rear.  This  trio  was 
produced  over  and  over  again  till  the  walls  were  literally  covered  with 
its  production.  Though  these  lands  had  been  purchased  of  the  Indians, 
the  time  for  giving  possession  had  not  arrived  when  the  aggressive  white 
man  put  in  his  appearance.  Those  who  settled  in  Coral  Township  in 
the  autumn  of  1835,  were  visited  the  following  spring  by  the  inhab- 
itants of  this  Indian  village.  They  had  spent  the  winter  elsewhere  and 
had  returned  to  take  up  their  abode  and  stay  the  balance  of  the  time 
allotted  them.  Upon  their  return  they  found  that  much  of  the  material 
comprising  their  wigwams  had  been  taken  by  the  white  men  and  made 
a  part  of  their  shanties.  They  called  upon  Mr.  Hamilton  and  secured 
their  copper  cooking  pots,  which  he  had  found  and  was  preserving  as 
curiosities.  They  then  opened  up  a  pit  of  corn,  which  they  had  buried 
the  year  before,  and  commenced  housekeeping  in  their  way.  These  In- 
dians only  knew  enough  of  our  language  to  swear." 

PIONEER    EVENTS 


The  first  marriage  in  Coral  Township  was  that  uniting  Samuel  II. 
Bullard  and  Samantha  Dunham,  by  Beman  Crandall,  a  justice  of  the 
peace,  on  August  25,  1839. 

The  first  white  child  born  here  was  Mary  Eddy,  a  daughter  of  Robert 
Eddy  and  his  wife,  who  was  born  in  1837. 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  381 

John  Hamilton,  who  died  within  this  township  in  the  spring  of  1836, 
was  the  first  white  person  to  die  in  the  township.  The  first  cemetery 
was  not  laid  out  till  1838,  hence  he  was  buried  in  private  grounds.  A 
little  later  a  cemetery  was  provided  in  Harmony;  also  another  one  at 
Union,  after  the  latter  became  a  fair  sized  village. 

VILLAGE   OP  CORAL 

Coral  was  the  first  village  in  Coral  Township.  It  was  laid  out  or 
rather  settled  on  in  the  northwest  quarter  of  section  8,  by  Fillmore  & 
Anderson  who  opened  a  store  there,  which  was  burned  and  never  rebuilt. 
The  post  office,  which  was  the  first  established  between  Chicago  and 
Galena,  was  given  to  the  township  in  1837,  and  kept  at  first  at  the  house 
of  William  Jackson,  who  was  its  first  postmaster.  He  was  succeeded 
by  a  Mr.  Smith,  and  he  was  followed  by  Harriet  Dunham.  W.  J.  Fill- 
more then  secured  the  appointment  and  moved  the  office  to  Coral  vil- 
lage. Other  postmasters  at  Coral  were  "William  Ross,  Mr.  Cleaver,  Mr. 
Valentine  Alstine,  Mr.  Morris  and  Henry  Stoddard.  A  large  nursery 
was  started  at  Coral,  but  it  was  later  removed  to  Marengo.  J.  H.  Ocock, 
William  Boiee,  T.  Ross  and  W.  L.  Morse  were  among  the  first  dealers 
at  Coral.  With  the  coming  of  the  railroad,  other  towns  were  laid  out  and 
Coral  never  grew  much  more. 

July  16,  1866,  was  the  date  on  which  Coral  village  was  platted  in 
regular  and  legal  form. 

VILLAGE  OF  UNION 

Union  village  is  located  on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad, 
in  section  4,  township  43,  range  6,  east.  It  was  platted  in  1851  by  Wil- 
liam Jackson,  with  the  idea  of  having  it  made  a  station  point  on  the 
proposed  railway  when  it  should  be  constructed  through  the  county. 
He  really  hit  it  nearer  than  men  seldom  do,  for  he  secured  a  station. 
The  first  house  was  erected  in  1851  by  F.  M.  Mead,  and  it  was  later 
occupied  by  the  station  agent.  The  first  store  in  Union  was  opened  in 
1852  by  one  Hathaway  who  acted  as  agent  for  Mr.  Kimble  of  Elgin. 
Hungerford  &  Smith  had  the  first  drug  store  in  Union,  opening  it  in 
1857.  Cutler  &  Van  Pelt  and  J.  A.  Crandall  were  among  early  mer- 
chants there. 

INCORPORATION 

Union  has  been  an  incorporated  village  since  August,  1897,  and  the 
following  is  a  list  of  names  of  those  who  have  served  as  presidents :     C. 


382  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

L.  Kremer,  II.  W.  Kittenger,  I.  X.  Muzzy,  P.  A.  Kanie,  II.  W.  Kittenger, 
K.  II.  Eggert,  William  D.  Mallett,  J.  H.  Calbow,  P.  A.  Ranie,  E.  H. 
Eggert,  P.  A.  Ranie,  John  Bnchte. 

PRESENT  OFFICIAL 

The  following  are  the  present  officials  of  the  village  of  Union:  Presi- 
dent, .John  Buehte;  elerk,  H.  J.  Miller;  treasurer,  H.  P.  Luhring;  magis- 
trate,  P.  A.  Renie;  marshal,  L.  F.  Nulle;  attorney,  C.  B.  Whittemore; 
trustees,  ('.  E.  Guse,  Fred  Miller,  August  Kunke,  Frank  Trebes,  Herman 
Treb.es  and  William  Clasen. 

The  village  bonded  itself  in  1912  for  a  waterwork  system.  Good 
well  water  is  their  supply.  A  gasoline  engine  pumps  the  water  to  a 
pressure  tank.  The  village  maintains  a  volunteer  fire  brigade.  The 
village  is  without  debts  at  this  date.  Several  years  ago  they  purchased 
in  conjunction  with  the  Odd  Fellows  order,  the  old  Universalist  Church, 
a  two-story  stone  structure  built  at  a  very  early  date.  The  Odd  Fellows 
have  the  upper  story,  while  the  village  has  the  first  floor  for  its  offices 
and  meeting  place. 

POST  OFFICE 

The  post  office  at  Union  dates  back  to  the  autumn  of  1852  when  its 
postmaster  was  a  Mr.  Cannon,  who  was  succeeded  in  a  year  by  S.  A. 
Randall.  Other  postmasters  have  been:  F.  M.  Read,  Mr.  Sheldon,  S. 
A.  Randall,  William  H.  Alden,  William  M.  Baldwin,  J.  D.  Bliss,  N.  C. 
Gardner,  Homer  Darling,  L.  D.  Fillmore,  Mrs.  E.  E.  Fillmore,  and 
present  postmaster,  W.  C.  Null,  who  was  appointed  in  February,  1915. 
This  is  a  fourth-class  office;  has  one  rural  route  of  thirty  miles  in  length, 
with  John  Schneider  as  carrier. 

DEFUNCT  HARMONY 

Harmony  was  the  name  given  a  little  community  in  this  township. 
It  was  never  dignified  by  being  platted,  but  it  was  an  early  community 
center  where  church  and  school  privileges  might  be  had  by  the  pioneers. 
Here  was  built  the  first  church  within  the  township.  In  1885  a  store, 
a  cheese  factory,  a  school  and  church  constituted  the  hamlet.  It  now 
exists  in  memory  largely,  for  its  commercial  days  are  forever  gone. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  383 

POPULATION 

The  population  of  Coral  Township  for  four  United  States  census 
periods  have  been  as  follows:  In  1890  it  had  1,432;  in  1900  it  reached 
1,451;  in  1910  its  population  was  1,354;  and  in  1920  it  was  1,296. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Coral  Township :  Super- 
visor, Charles  Ackman,  Jr. ;  assessor,  Herman  Trebes ;  clerk,  C.  M.  Siems ; 
highway  commissioner,  Chris  Fritz;  justices  of  the  peace,  A.  S.  Peak 
and  William  Wertz;  constables,  L.  F.  Wilde  and  C.  T.  Can. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 
DORR  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDABIES — ORIGIN  OF  NAME — EARLY  SETTLERS — PIONEER  EVENTS — CEME- 
TERIES— RIDGEFIELD POPULATION — TOWNSHIP      OFFICIALS— WOODSTOCK 

— HIGHEST      ALTITUDE — FIRST      BUSINESS      INTERESTS — HOTELS — PUBLIC 

SQUARE — SOLDIERS '  MONUMENT — POST  OFFICE POSTMASTERS INCORPO- 

R  VTION — FIRST     VILLAGE     OFFICIALS — VILLAGE     PRESIDENTS — FIRST     CITY 

OFFICIALS MAY'ORS — PRESENT    CITY    OFFICIALS PUBLIC    IMPROVEMENTS 

— CHICAGO  INDUSTRIAL  HOME  FOR  CHILDREN — OLD  PEOPLE'S  REST  HOME 
COUNTRY   CLUB — COMMERCIAL    AND   COMMUNITY    CUB. 

BOUNDARDZS 

Dorr  Township  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Greenwood  Township, 
a  portion  of  which  is  included  in  the  city  of  Woodstock;  on  the  east  by 
Xunda  Township ;  on  the  south  by  Grafton  Township,  and  on  the  west 
by  Seneca  Township.  Originally  this  township  contained  some  very 
fine  timber,  but  no  prairie  land,  although  it  is  level.  It  is  watered  by 
Hanley  Creek,  and  a  branch  of  the  Kishwaukee. 

ORIGIN  OF  NAME 

The  township  was  named  in  honor  of  Governor  Dorr,  of  Rhode  Island, 
who  opposed  the  English  laws  governing  that  state. 

EARLY   SETTLERS 

The  first  white  man  to  settle  in  Dorr  Township  was  Uriah  Cattle, 
who  came  here  from  Virginia  in  the  fall  of  1834,  and  made  his  claim, 
after  which  he  returned  to  his  old  home.  The  following  spring  he  came 
back  to  this  region,  accompanied  by  William  Hartman,  Charles  and 
John  McCIure,  and  John  Walkup.  who  composed  what  was  known  in 
the  early  days  as  the  "Virginia  Settlement."  These  pioneers  showed 
such  energy  after  their  arrival  on  Monday  morning,  that  by  the  end  of 

384 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  385 

the  week  they  had  their  log  shanties  up  and  roofed,  although  there  were 
no  floors  for  a  number  of  months.  Mr.  Cattle  continued  to  reside  in  the 
township  until  his  death,  either  late  in  the  seventies,  or  early  in  the 
eighties.  Charles  McClure  died  in  the  township  in  184-i.  These  original 
settlers  were  later  joined  by  Christopher  Walkup,  John  L.  Gibson,  James 
Dufield,  and  William  Hartman. 

PIONEER   EVENTS 

The  first  death  in  this  township  was  that  of  the  three-year-old 
daughter  of  Uriah  Cattle,  in  September,  1836.  In  the  fall  of  that  same 
year,  a  little  daughter  of  James  Dufield  also  died. 

•Martha  McClure  was  born  in  the  fall  of  1835,  and  she  is  conceded 
to  have  been  the  first  white  child  born  in  the  township.  She  died  at 
the  age  of  seventeen  years. 

The  first  wedding  was  that  solemnized  between  Oscar  H.  Douglass 
and  Sarah  Gaff  by  Rev.  Joel  Wheeler,  May  13,  1839. 

CEMETERIES 

Ridgefield  Cemetery,  the  oldest  burial  ground  in  the  township,  was 
laid  out  in  1835  by  Charles  McClure  as  a  private  cemetery,  but  later 
he  permitted  the  interment  of  outsiders.  It  is  divided  by  the  eastern 
line  of  Dorr  Township,  and  the  greater  part  of  it  lies  in  Nunda  Town- 
ship. Originally  it  comprised  only  two  acres,  but  subsequently  was 
increased  to  the  present  size. 

Oakland  Cemetery,  located  at  the  western  limits  of  Woodstock,  was 
purchased  by  the  corporation,  December  20,  1859,  of  M.  T.  Bryan,  and 
then  comprised  ten  acres.  Two  additional  acres  were  added  for  a  Pot- 
ters' Field,  and  other  additions  have  since  been  made,  as  increasing 
space  was  needed.  The  Catholic  Cemetery,  known  as  "Calvary, "  is 
located  just  south  of  Oakland,  across  the  highway,  and  both  are  kept 
in  beautiful  condition. 

RIDGEFIELD 

Ridgefield  is  located  on  section  25,  township  44,  range  7,  and  was 
platted  by  William  Hartman,  January  8,  1855,  and  it  occupies  the  lands 
originally  owned  by  members  of  the  Virginia  settlement.  It  came  into 
being  as  a  result  of  a  station  being  located  at  this  point,  when  the  rail- 


386  HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY 

road  was  built  through  the  county.  Lots  were  sold  so  low  by  Mr.  Hart- 
man,  in  order  to  induce  outsiders  to  come  here,  that  he  failed  to  realize 
any  profit.  He  erected  the  first  building,  in  which  a  store  was  estab- 
lished by  George  K.  Bunker.  J.  (1.  Ilartman  opened  a  wagonmaking 
shop;  Miles  Graff  was  the  first  blacksmith;  Daniel  Root  was  the  first 
shoemaker,  and  David  Graff  opened  a  hotel,  but  soon  thereafter  sold  to 
a  Mr.  Holmes.  Ridgefield  is  now  the  center  of  one  of  the  large  milk 
plants  of  t he  county. 

Ridgefield  post  office  was  established  in  1837,  and  was  located  a  mile 
and  a  half  west  of  the  present  village,  at  the  residence  of  Christopher 
Walkup,  who  was  the  first  postmaster.  After  the  building  of  the  rail- 
road the  office  was  moved  to  Ridgefield,  and  Isaac  Hamilton  was  ap- 
pointed postmaster.  He  was  succeeded  by  A.  F.  Davis.  During  the 
subsequent  years  the  post  office  has  been  kept  by  the  owner  of  one  or 
other  of  the  stores  at  this  point,  and  is  now  located  in  the  Economy  store. 

POPULATION 

According  to  the  United  States  census  the  population  of  Dorr  Town- 
ship has  been  as  follows:  In  1890,  1,113;  in  1900,  968;  in  1910,  1,004, 
which  was  exclusive  of  Woodstock,  which  in  the  latter  year  had  a  popu- 
lation of  4,331;  and  in  1920,  6,408,  including  a  portion  of  the  city  of 
Woodstock,  the  remainder  of  the  city,  with  its  population  of  5,523,  lying 
in  Greenwood  Township. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials:  Supervisor,  F.  A.  Walters; 
assessor,  A.  .1.  Murphy;  clerk,  J.  C.  Pierce;  highway  commissioner,  Fred 
Menges:  justices  of  the  peace,  T.  J.  Rushton  and  C.  E.  Lockwood ;  con- 
stables, F.  G.  Behringer,  William  Conney  and  P.  W.  Murphy. 

WOODSTOCK 

Woodstock,  county  seat  of  McHenry  County,  and  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  of  the  smaller  cities  of  Illinois,  was  laid  out  by  Alvin  Judd, 
in  1844.  'After  the  plat  had  been  executed,  Mr.  Judd  sold  his  interests 
to  George  C.  Dean,  who,  in  June,  1844,  had  the  plat  recorded.  At  that 
time  the  village  was  named  Centerville  because  of  its  geographical  posi- 
tion in  almost  the  center  of  the  county,  but  in  February,  1845,  through 


o 

Q 

go 


HISTORY  OP  McHENRY  COUNTY  387 

the  influence  of  Joel  H.  Johnson,  the  name  was  changed  to  Woodstock 
by  Act  of  Legislature.  This  name  was  selected  because  Woodstock,  Vt., 
was  the  birthplace  of  Mr.  Johnson  and  other  prominent  men  of  the 
county,  who  sought  to  perpetuate  pleasant  memories  of  their  old  home, 
in  their  new  one. 

HIGHEST   ALTITUDE 

Woodstock  has  the  highest  altitude  of  any  place  in  the  state,  the  sur- 
vey, made  many  years  ago,  giving  it  at  373  feet  above  the  waters  of 
Lake  Michigan,  and  954  feet  above  the  sea  level  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 
An  inscription  on  the  face  of  the  basestones  of  the  courthouse  testifies 
to  this  interesting  fact. 

FIRST   BUSINESS   INTERESTS 

Bradford  Burbank  built  the  first  log  house  in  1843,  and  the  first 
frame  one  was  put  up  by  Alvin  Judd  in  1844.  The  latter  was  opened 
as  a  tavern.  During  the  winter  of  1844-5,  Mr.  Judd  built  another  frame 
house.  The  first  store  was  opened  in  1845  by  Josiah  Dwight  and  Oscar 
L.  Beach.    Henry  Petrie  opened  another  store  that  same  year.    In  1848 

A.  W.  Puller  established  his  general  store,  and  the  fourth  mercantile 
establishment  was  conducted  by  William  Dunning  and  Alfred  Dufield. 

Other  very  early  business  men  were  as  follows :  Neill  Donnelly,  John 
Donnell}',  Ira  C.  Trowbridge,  Leonard  Burtchy,  Jr.,  A.  W.  Tappan,  L. 

B.  Converse,  Joseph  Hatch,  L.  T.  Salisbury,  John  Bunker,  J.  J.  Murphy, 
George  W.  Bentley,  J.  C.  Choate,  F.  C.  Joslyn,  C.  B.  Duffee,  Joseph 
Golder,  L.  T.  Hoy,  J.  S.  Wheat,  A.  S.  Wright,  George  F.  Mills,  George 
Sylvester,  M.  Sherman,  E.  W.  Blossom,  Eddy  Brothers,  H.  P.  Norton, 
and  Ira  C.  Trobridge. 

The  commercial  and  industrial  growth  of  Woodstock  has  been  in 
keeping  with  the  expansion  throughout  the  county,  and  a  history  of  its 
industrial  interests,  past  and  present,  is  given  in  the  chapter  devoted 
to  this  subject. 

HOTELS 

As  above  stated,  the  first  tavern,  or  hotel,  at  Woodstock  was  the  one 
put  up  by  Alvin  Judd  in  1844.  Others  were  the  Exchange  Hotel,  kept 
for  a  long  period  by  Mr.  Trail ;  the  American  House,  located  on  the 


388  HISTORY  OF  McHENBY  COUNTY 

wesl  side  of  the  Square,  k^-pt  by  Messrs.  (i.  II.  Griffing,  White  and.Mc- 
Masters;  the  Waverly,  built  by  Roswell  Bnos,  in  1856,  on  two  lots  which 
eosl  him  *7  each;  the  Woodstock  House,  built  by  Alonzo  Anderson  in 
1852-3;  and  the  Richmond  House,  built  by  E.  H.  Richmond,  in  1874. 
which  was  conducted  for  some  years  by  Mr.  Richmond. 

PUBLIC  SQtJABE 

Woodstock  is  beautifully  laid  out,  many  of  its  business  houses  being 
located  on  the  streets  surrounding  the  City  Park,  at  the  head  of  which 
stands  the  courthouse.  To  the  right  is  the  city  hall.  On  the  hottest  of 
days,  the  delightful  shade  afforded  by  the  little  park  is  never  lessened, 
and  the  drinking  fountain  furnishes  artesian  water  and  a  mineral  water. 
In  (he  center  of  the  park  is  the  monument  erected  in  honor  of  the 
soldiers  of  the  Civil  War,  through  the  efforts  of  the  Woman's  Relief 
Corps,  No.  223,  of  Woodstock.  It  is  about  twenty-five  feet  in  height, 
and   hears  these   inscriptions: 

"Auxiliary  to  Woodstock  Post  No.  108,  Grand  Army  of  the  Repub- 
lic," on  the  north  front;  "Erected  to  the  Soldiers  of  1861-6."),'"  on  the 
east  front;  "Erected  in  1909  by  the  Woodstock  Woman's  Relief  Corps 
No.  223,"  on  the  south  front;  while  on  the  west  front  is  "In  Honor  of 
Our  National  Defenders." 

Surmounting  this  shaft  is  a  granite  statue  of  heroic  size,  represent 
ing  a  private  soldier  holding  the  Civil-War  type  of  musket.  The  mon- 
ument is  guarded  by  four  large  brass  cannon,  secured  from  the  war 
department,  one  being  placed  near  each  corner  of  the  base  of  the  monu- 
ment, hut  there  is  a  wide  walk  between  the  cannon  and  the  monument. 
A  little  to  the  west  of  the  center  of  the  park  is  the  band  stand,  and  in 
the  eastern  part  of  the  park  is  the  drinking  fountain.  The  trees  in  the 
park  and  throughout  the  city  are  principally  elm,  and  were  planted 
more  than  sixty  years  ago,  -when  the  public  square  was  graded  by  the 
civil  engineer  of  the  Northwestern  Railroad  in  1856-7,  and  it  was  in 
accordance  with  his  suggestion  that  these  trees  were  set  out  promiscu- 
ously, instead  of  in  rows.  Many  of  these  trees  are  now  over  sixty  feet 
in  height  and  afford  a  delightful  shade. 

POST   OFFICE 

The  Woodstock  post  office  was  established  in  1844.  and  Alvin  -Tudd 
was  the  first  postmaster.     When  he  resigned  in  1845,  he  was  succeeded 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  389 

by  Martin  Thrall.  Joseph  Dwight  succeeded  him  and  remained  in  office 
until  1853,  when  F.  D.  Austin  was  made  postmaster.  Since  then  the 
following  have  served  as  postmasters  of  Woodstock:  Dr.  0.  S.  Johnson, 
1857-61;  A.  E.  Smith,  1861-66;  William  E.  Smith,  1866;  Mr.  Crandall, 
1866-67;  Mr.  Irwin,  1867-69;  William  E.  Smith,  1869-75;  Asa  W.  Smith, 
1875-79 ;  6.  S.  Southworth,  1879-87 ;  Joel  H.  Johnson,  1887-91 ;  Simon 
Brink,  1891-96;  John  A.  Dufield,  1896-1900;  C.  F.  Renich.  1900-1911; 
W.  S.  MeConnell,  1911-15;  G.  G.  Frame,  1915  to  the  present  time. 

The  Woodstock  post  office  belongs  to  the  second  class,  and  nineteen 
smaller  post  offices  in  the  county  are  required  to  make  their  reports  to 
this  office,  and  purchase  their  supplies  from  it.  On  October  15,  1909, 
the  Woodstock  office  was  made  a  free  delivery  office.  There  are  six  rural 
free  delivery  routes  out  from  Woodstock,  the  length  of  each  one  being 
thirty  miles. 

Since  1866  the  Woodstock  office  has  been  a  money  order  office,  and 
the  first  order  issued  through  it  was  on  August  21,  1866,  by  E.  Barton 
to  A.  A.  Kelly  &  Co.,  of  Chicago,  for  $9.  The  first  order  paid  was  on 
August  7,  1866,  to  John  D.  Short  for  $40,  and  it  was  issued  by  Dr.  Asa 
Horn,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa. 

INCORPORATION 

On  June  22,  1852,  Woodstock  was  incorporated  as  a  village  under 
Act  of  Legislature,  and  the  governing  power  vested  in  a  president  and 
board  of  trustees.  The  original  charter  was  amended  several  times,  as 
needed.  From  1852  until  1873  when  Woodstock  became  a  city,  the  fol- 
lowing served  it  as  village  president:  Alvin  Judd,  1852-3;  Enos  W. 
Smith,  1854;  Neill  Donnelly,  1855-6;  Melvin  W.  Baldwin.  1857;  M.  W. 
Hunt,  1858;  H.  B.  Burton,  1859;  Neill  Donnelly,  I860;  M.  L.  Joslyn, 
1861;  H.  S.  Hanchett,  1862;  William  Kerr,  1863-4-5:  M.  L.  Joslyn,  1866; 
John  S.  Wheat,  1867;  B.  N.  Smith,  1868;  M.  D.  Hoy,  1869;  E.  E. 
Richards,  1870-71 ;  and  L.  H.  Davis,  1872-3. 

The  original  village  officials  were:  Alvin  Judd,  president;  and 
Joseph  Golder.  L.  S.  Church,  C.  B.  Durfee,  J.  C.  Trowbridge,  and  George 
11.  Griffin,  trustees;  Charles  Fitch,  clerk;  John  Brink,  surveyor:  L.  W. 
McMasters,  constable;  and  Charles  Fitch,  treasurer. 

The  last  to  hold  position  as  village  officials  were :  L.  H.  Davis,  presi- 
dent;  John  A.  Rarrish,  assessor  and  treasurer;  S.  Van  Curan,  constable; 
S.  Brink,  clerk;  and  T.  J.  Dacy,  J.  S.  Wheat,  George  L.  Sherwood,  M. 
I).  Hoy,  G.  K.  Bunker  and  E.  E.  Thomas,  trustees. 


390 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


An  election  was  held  March  24,  1873,  to  decide  relative  to  city  incor- 
poration, and  the  vote  stood  109  in  favor,  none  against  the  proposition. 

The  first  city  officials  were:  John  S.  Wheat,  mayor;  T.  L.  Maher, 
clerk;  .1.  .1.  Murphy,  treasurer;  M.  C.  Johnson,  attorney;  and  W.  II. 
Stewart,  <i.  K.  Bunker,  A.  Badger,  E.  E.  Richards,  T.  J.  Dacy,  P.  Arnold, 
aldermen;  S.  Van  Curan,  marshal;  A.  J.  Murphy,  street  commissioner. 

The  following  have  served  as  mayor  of  Woodstock:  John  S.  Wheat, 
1873;  Neil!  Donnelly,  1874;  R.  C.  Jefferson,  1875;  Xeill  Donnelly,  1876; 
L.  II.  Davis,  1877-78;  John  J.  Murphy,  1879-80;  M.  L.  Joslyn,  1881-82; 
George  II.  Bunker,  1883-88;  Erastus  E.  Richards,  1888-94;  John  D. 
Donovan,  1894-97;  E.  C.  Jewett,  1897;  E.  E.  Richards,  1899;  E.  C. 
Jewett,  1900-03;  F.  A.  Walter,  1903-07;  George  II.  Hoy,  1907-09;  J. 
I).  Donovan,  1909-10;  A.  J.  Olson,  1912-14;  he  died  in  office,  and  Alder- 
man II.  J.  Dygert  completed  his  term ;  S.  E.  Olmsted  was  elected  in  1916. 

PRESENT  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  present  officials  of  the  city  of  Woodstock : 
Frank  J.  Green,  mayor;  H.  G.  Fisher,  clerk;  William  Freeman,  health 
commissioner;  Walter  E.  Conway,  treasurer;  T.  H.  Brown,  magistrate; 
David  Joslyn,  Jr.,  attorney;  and  Frank  Brown,  Joseph  Peacock,  Henry 
Johanson,  Lester  Nogle,  F.  J.  Wienke,  T.  B.  Merwin,  W.  H.  Hohbs,  and 
T.  B.  Owens,  aldermen. 

PUBLIC  IMPROVEMENTS 


The  first  steps  to  secure  public  water  works  for  Woodstock  were 
taken  in  1894  when  a  bond  issue  of  $10,000  was  made  to  secure  funds; 
and  another  bond  issue  was  made  for  $25,000  in  1902  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  system  already  installed.  The  high  water-tower  tank  in  the 
western  part  of  the  city  gives  direct  pressure  and  thus  affords  proper 
protection  to  the  city  in  case  of  fire.  The  water  is  drawn  from  wells 
of  the  purest  water,  dug  by  the  city  for  this  purpose.  The  system  of 
mains  and  street  hydrants  is  complete  throughout  the  city.  A  complete 
sewer  system  was  not  constructed  until  1907-8. 

Electric  lights  were  installed  in  the  city  in  1904,  bonds  having  been 
floated  for  this  purpose  to  the  amount  of  $3,000.  Again  in  1910  another 
bond  issue  was  made  for  $8,000  for  the  extension  of  the  service.  Since 
then  other  improvements  have  been  made  as  required. 

The  city  of  Woodstock  granted  the  Western  United  Gas  &  Electric 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  391 

Company  a  franchise  to  lay  gas  pipes  and  supply  the  city  with  gas  in 
1909. 

The  history  of  the  telephone  development  is  given  elsewhere,  in  the 
chapter  devoted  to  industrial  activities. 

The  city  hall  was  built  in  1889-90,  under  Mayor  E.  E.  Richard's 
supervision,  and  it  is  a  three-story  and  basement,  brick  structure.  It 
has  an  opera  hall  on  the  top  floor,  and  contains  the  city  offices,  council 
chamber,  fire  department,  public  library  and  reading  room. 

CHICAGO  INDUSTRIAL  HOME  FOR  CHILDREN 

The  Chicago  Industrial  Home  for  Children  is  located  on  Seminary 
avenue,  Woodstock,  and  is  one  of  the  ornaments  of  this  progressive  city. 
The  institution  was  established  here  in  1894,  when  Mrs.  Roxy  D.  Stevens, 
a  widow,  without  children,  seeing  the  importance  of  the  work  being  done 
by  the  home,  which  had  been  incorporated  March  4,  1889,  and  was  being 
conducted  in  the  private  residence  of  its  founder,  Rev.  Thomas  B. 
Arnold,  of  Chicago,  under  great  difficulties,  offered  her  owu  pleasant 
and  commodious  home  for  the  purpose.  This  residence  was  styled  by 
the  builder  and  original  owner,  Mr.  Galister,  an  English  villa.  Mrs. 
Stevens  offered  this  property  to  the  institution,  only  stipulating  that  she 
be  given  a  home  to  dwell  in  and  an  annuity  until  her  death.  Upon  these 
conditions  the  property  was  transferred  to  the  institution,  and  has  con- 
tinued to  be  the  home  of  the  undertaking  ever  since. 

From  this  center  have  gone  out  many  children  who  were  born  to  a 
spring  without  flowers,  a  summer  without  sunshine,  and  an  autumn  of 
early  frosts,  with  naught  but  a  harvest  of  poverty,  shame  and  disgrace 
before  them,  to  homes  of  affluence,  comfort  and  refinement,  to  become 
good  citizens,  noble  men  and  women,  and  useful  members  of  society. 
The  acquisition  of  this  property  gave  the  institution  an  excellent  start 
in  its  good  work.  Not  having  been  built  for  institutional  work,  this 
home  was  not  suited  to  the  ever-increasing  demands.  In  1912  it  was 
practically  rebuilt,  and  made  into  a  modern  building,  so  that  it  is  now 
well  adapted  to  and  ecpiipped  for  the  purposes  of  its  incorporate  demand, 
and  which  its  charter  sets  forth  to  be:  "To  provide  a  home  for  home- 
less, orphaned,  deserted,  destitute  and  dependent  children ;  to  educate 
them  and  instruct  them  in  industrial  pursuits;  also  to  aid  such  children 
in  obtaining  suitable  Christian  family  homes." 

The  scope  of  the  work  of  the  home  is  two-fold,  home  saving  and  home 
finding. 


392  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

"Home  Saving.  If  the  home  is  of  the  right  character,  it  is  better  to 
extend  temporary  ;iiil  and  preserve  it  than  to  suffer  it  to  be  broken  up. 
In  many  cases  by  reason  of  sickness,  death,  the  desertion  of  a  parent, 
<>(•  some  other  cause,  it  is  impossible  for  the  home  to  continue.  In  such 
cases  if  we  extend  temporary  aid  to  the  children  by  bridging  over  the 
emergency,  the  home  may  be  rebuilt,  and  the  children  have  the  rights 
and  privileges  that  belong  to  every  child,  the  right  of  home  life  and 
living. 

"Home  Finding.  Through  this  department  the  institution  rinds 
homes  in  Christian  families,  for  such  children  as  are  surrendered  to  it 
by  parents,  guardians,  or  by  the  courts.  Hundreds  of  children  have 
been  given  tender  care,  comfortable  sustenance,  good  educational  advan- 
tages, excellent  training,  wholesome  moral  and  religious  instruction,  and 
many  have  been  placed  in  Christian  family  homes  for  adoption,  and  by 
these  means  have  been  saved  from  becoming  subject  to  those  circum- 
stances which  are  almost  sure  to  result  in  vieiousness  and  criminality." 

The  management  of  the  home  is  vested  in  a  board  of  eleven  directors, 
and  its  offices  are  in  Chicago.  The  institution  is  supported  principally 
by  voluntary  contributions  of  charitably  disposed  people.  Its  accounts 
are  audited  by  a  public  accountant  at  the  close  of  each  fiscal  year.  Its 
work  is  important  and  is  measured  by  the  amount  of  its  contributions. 

OLD  PEOPLE'S  REST  HOME 

The  Old  People's  Rest  Home  occupies  a  site  adjoining  the  grounds 
of  the  Chicago  Industrial  Home  for  Children,  at  Woodstock,  and  both 
are  under  the  care  of  Rev.  J.  D.  Kelsey.  In  1903  Samuel  K.  J.  Ches- 
boro,  Burton  R.  Jones,  James  D.  .Marsh.  Thomas  B.  Arnold,  John  I). 
Kelsey.  William  P.  Ferries,  John  E.  Coleman,  Esmond  E.  Hall,  William 
E.  Bardell,  Freeborn  U.  Brooke  incorporated  the  Old  People's  Rest 
Home,  and  opened  it  for  occupancy  that  same  year. 

The  object  of  this  institution  is  to  provide  and  maintain  a  home  for 
aged  people  of  both  sexes,  who  are  in  a  measure  dependent,  where  they 
may  have  the  advantages  of  good  accommodations,  agreeable  associa- 
tions, pleasant  surroundings,  comfortable  sustenance  and  tender  minis- 
trations when  needed,  amid  which  to  spend  the  closing  years  of  life. 
( Yrtainly  its  objects  are  both  philanthropic  and  Christian,  and  as  such 
can  but  appeal  to  the  sympathies  and  aid  of  generous  people  everywhere. 

The  doors  of  the  Rest  Home  are  ever  open  to  aged  people,  who  need 
-ii<h  a  place  of  rest  and  care,  without  respect  of  nationality,  race,  creed, 
or  religion.    Many  have  already  found  shelter,  care  and  comfort  in  their 


HISTORY  OF  ilcHEXRY  COUNTY  393 

la>t  years  within  its  enclosure,  and  the  managers  are  only  sorry  that 
their  limited  room  does  not  admit  of  their  taking  in  many  more.  The 
home  inmates  usually  number  in  the  neighborhood  of  twenty,  which 
with  the  matron  and  other  helpers  constitutes  quite  a  large  family  to 
be  maintained.  The  capacity  of  the  home  is  for  about  twenty-four  in- 
mates. 

Rev.  J.  D.  Kelsey  has  had  charge  of  the  home  since  it  was  established, 
and  his  wife  was  its  matron  until  her  health  failed,  the  position  now 
being  held  by  Florence  Walcott. 

WOODSTOCK   COUNTRY    CLUB 

The  Woodstock  Country  Club  was  organized  in  1915,  and  its  mem- 
bership has  steadily  increased.  A  tract  of  about  fifty-seven  acres  was 
purchased  by  the  club.  These  grounds,  formerly  the  farm  of  the  late 
Mr.  McNulty,  lie  about  two  miles  east  of  the  courthouse,  and  are  beauti- 
fully situated.  There  is  considerable  timber,  and  an  artesian  well  over 
1.000  feet  deep.  This  well  was  sunk  and  suitable  frame  buildings  have 
been  erected.  A  golf  course  has  been  laid  out,  and  other  improvements 
are  projected. 

WOODSTOCK  COMMERCIAL  AND  COMMUNITY  CLUB 

On  February  26,  1§13,  the  Woodstock  Business  Men's  Association 
was  founded,  and  in  the  spring  of  1918,  to  meet  conditions  arising  out 
of  the  war,  a  new  constitution,  by-laws  and  name  _were  given  the  club, 
which  has  since  been  known  as  the  Woodstock  Commercial  and  Com- 
munity Club.  This  was  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  Illinois,  October 
11,  1918.  This  organization  has  two  objects,  the  promotion  of  business 
interests,  and  the  furnishing  of  social  diversions,  or  to  use  their  own 
definition:  ''the  furtherance  of  the  social,  civic,  mercantile  and  indus- 
trial advancement  of  the  city  of  Woodstock  and  the  surrounding  com- 
munity." 

The  club  is  placed  under  the  charge  of  a  board  of  directors  num- 
bering fifteen,  five  of  whom  are  elected  annually.  Among  other  benefits 
accruing  from  membership  is  the  issuance  of  weekly  reports  showing 
the  judgments  given  at  the  courthouse  each  week,  in  printed  form.  Re- 
tailers are  also  given  a  credit-rating  book  for  the  city  of  Woodstock  and 
environments.  This  club  takes  in  all  honorable  professional  and  busi- 
ness men  of  the  community,  and  plans  in  the  near  future  to  become  a 
still  greater  factor  in  advancing  the  best  commercial  and  social  interests 
of  this  section. 


CHAPTER  XXIX 
DUNHAM  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — TOPOGRAPHY EARLY    SETTLERS ORIGIN    OF    NAME PIONEER 

EVENTS — CEMETERIES — SCHOOLS    AND    CHURCHES CYCLONE    OF    1883 — 

POPULATION — TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Dunham  Township  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Chemung  Township ; 
on  the  east  by  Hartland  Township ;  on  the  south  by  Marengo  Township, 
and  on  the  west  by  Boone  County.  It  comprises  all  of  congressional 
township  45,  range  5.  This  township  is  about  equally  divided  between 
timber  and  prairie  land,  or  at  least  was  when  the  county  was  first  set- 
tled. It  is  naturally  adapted  to  stock  raising  and  many  are  the  fine 
herds  that  have  been  grazing  from  its  sweet  grasses  in  the  decades  that 
have  passed  since  its  surface  was  first  used  by  the  white  race.  It  is  well 
watered  and  reasonably  drained  by  Rush  and  Piskasaw  creeks,  with  their 
several  small  tributaries. 

TOPOGRAPHY 

Rush  Creek,  a  branch  of  the  Kishwaukee,  crosses  the  township  from 
northeast  to  southwest,  passing  out  from  section  34.  and  the  Piskasaw 
courses  through  the  northwest  corner. 

EARLY  SETTLERS 

The  first  white  man  to  locate  in  this  township,  with  a  view  of  becom- 
ing a  permanent  settler,  was  John  Diggins.  who  came  here  in  1836, 
locating  in  section  10  and  section  11,  a  farm  later  owned  and  occupied 
by  0.  C.  Diggins.  The  latter  named  came  to  the  township  in  March, 
1837,  and  his  family  joined  him  as  soon  as  he  had  a  cabin  prepared  for 
them.  While  N.  K.  Jerome  made  a  claim  in  1837,  he  did  not  take  up 
his  residence  upon  it  until  183S.     Two  unmarried  men.  Baker  and  Dun- 

394 


Ehq  tt,  EC 


C^fa^c^t^    (.  *ui*^ 


" 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  395 

ham,  were  the  next  two  to  arrive,  and  they  were  followed  by  Joseph 
and  James  Metcalf.  Before  1841,  the  following  had  taken  up  residence 
in  Dunham  Township :  A.  Joslyn,  R.  Latham,  Joseph  Diggins,  J.  F. 
Moore,  Dexter  Barrows,  J.  Snowden,  R.  and  D.  Linton,  and  W.  R.  Heath. 

ORIGIN  OP  NAME 

The  original  name  of  this  township  was  Byron,  but  when  the  post 
office  was  established,  it  was  discovered  that  another  "Byron"  existed 
within  the  state,  hence  the  name  was  changed  to  Dunham,  in  honor  of 
pioneer  Solomon  J.  Dunham,  a  very  prominent  resident,  then  serving 
as  a  justice  of  the  peace. 

PIONEER   EVENTS 

Josephine  Diggins  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  this  township. 
She  was  the  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Diggins,  and  she  died  when 
aged  seventeen  years. 

In  1839  occurred  the  first  death  in  Dunham  Township,  when  Walter 
Walton  passed  away,  and  was  buried  in  section  3  of  this  township. 

The  earliest  marriage  was  that  uniting  Jacob  A.  Davis  and  Miss 
Helen  M.  Diggins,  on  New  Year's  day,  1839. 

In  1840  a  log  schoolhouse  was  built  by  School  District  No.  1,  in  sec- 
tion 1,  and  a  school  was  immediately  opened. 

The  only  church  ever  erected  in  this  township  was  that  of  the  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  denomination  known  as  the  County  Line  Church.  This 
building  cost  $2,000.  Rev.  P.  M.  Huffman  was  the  first  to  serve  as 
pastor. 

There  are  about  two  miles  of  railroad  in  this  township,  the  Chicago 
&  Northwestern  line   running  through  Harvard  from  the  southeast. 

In  1874,  a  cheese  factory  was  built  in  section  35,  and  was  still  being 
successfully  operated  in  1885.  At  one  time  Latham  Corners  had  a  gen- 
eral store,  but  its  existence  was  brief. 

Sheep  raising  as  far  back  as  1870  was  a  large  industry  among  the 
farmers  of  this  township.  The  land  it  was  believed  then,  was  better 
adapted  to  stock  than  grain.  There  were  more  sheep  killed  by  dogs  in 
this  township,  along  in  the  seventies,  than  in  any  other  part  of  the 
county. 

CEMETERIES 

The  first  cemetery  in  this  township  was  laid  out  either  in  1841  or 
1842,  near  the  old  Jerome  log  schoolhouse. 


396  HISTORY  OF  McHENRT  COUNTY 

In  the  western  part  of  the  township  around  the  .Methodist  Church, 
is  another  early  burying  ground. 

Ml.  Auburn  Cemetery  was  laid  out  late  in  the  seventies.  It  is  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  southeast  of  the  city  of  Harvard,  taking  the 
place  of  the  old  Harvard  Cemetery,  abandoned  on  account  of  low  ground, 
the  bodies  being  transferred  to  the  new   burial  place. 

SCHOOL    AND   CHURCHES 

The  first  sehoolhouse  in  Dunham  Township  was  built  in  1838  on  the 
farm  of  Mr.  -Jerome.  Here  schools  were  kept  and  here  the  elections 
were  held  many  years  during  the  pioneer  days.  Here  it  was  that  the 
first  term  of  school  in  the  township  was  taught  by  -Miss  Edna  Jewett. 

The  first  religious  services  in  this  township  were  held  in  the  Jerome 
sehoolhouse  in  1838  or  1839,  and  were  conducted  by  Elder  White  and 
Rev.  Jewett. 

CYCLONE   OF    1883 

On  June  11,  1883,  Dunham  Township  had  the  misfortune  to  be  visited 
by  a  cyclone,  which  first  struck  the  residence  of  Richard  Downs.  The 
Moore  sehoolhouse  was  literally  blown  into  splinters.  Benjamin  Phelps, 
Josiah  Goodsell,  Proctor  Russell,  I).  R.  Wyant,  Arthur  Thompson,  .Mr. 
Jerome,  \.  A.  Clark,  John  .Mohelus  and  Michael  Sullivan,  all  suffered 
from  the  fury  of  the  storm. 

Being  near  to  Harvard,  with  the  county  seat  not  far  distant,  there 
never  has  sprung  up  a  village  within  this  township.  Neither  has  it  a 
railway  station  nor  has  there  been  a  post  office  in  recent  years,  but  a 
good  rural  mail  route  service  delivers  the  mail  for  this  section  of  the 
county. 

POPULATION 

In  1890  Dunham  Township  had  a  population  of  919:  in  1900  it  had 
85*9;  in  1910  it  had  849;  and  in  1920  it  had  857. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Dunham  Township  :  Super- 
visor, II.  E.  Whipple;  assessor,  D.  A.  Barrows;  clerk,  Herbert  Kieskow- 
ski :  highway  commissioner,  Thomas  Green:  justices  of  the  peace,  D.  A. 
Barrows  and  L.  <  >.  Higgins ;  constables,  C.  M.  Downs  and  David  Fitch. 


CHAPTER  XXX 
GRAFTON  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — ORIGIN  OP  NAME — EARLY  SETTLERS — PIONEER  EVENTS — CHOL- 
ERA  CEMETERIES TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS — VILLAGE  OF  HUNTLEY — EARLY 

BUSINESS   INTERESTS — POST  OFFICE — INCORPORATION. 

BOUNDARIES 

Grafton  Township  is  in  the  southern  tier  of  townships  in  this  county, 
and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Dorr  Township ;  on  the  east  by  Algon- 
quin Township ;  on  the  south  by  Kane  County,  and  on  the  west  by  Coral 
Township,  and  is  described  in  surveys  as  congressional  township  43, 
range  7,  east. 

When  first  settled  this  township  was  very  wet  and  swampy,  and  by 
many  the  land  was  believed  to  be  next  to  worthless,  the  lowest  point 
being  in  its  center;  but  modern  and  more  scientific  methods  have  come 
to  the  rescue  and  drained  out  most  of  these  lands,  which  are  now  among 
the  finest,  most  productive  of  any  in  the  country.  Here  one  sees  many 
beautiful,  well  improved  and  highly  valuable  farms.  Crystal  Lake  covers 
one-fourth  of  section  1,  and  the  Kishwaukee  Creek  and  its  branches 
drain  the  land  and  furnish  ample  water  supply  at  all  times  of  the  year. 

ORIGIN    OF    THE   NAME 

The  name  Grafton  was  given  to  this  township  by  Prescott  Whitte- 
more  who  thus  honored  his  old  home  back  in  New  Hampshire,  w-hich  was 
also  called  Grafton  Township.    - 

EARLY   SETTLERS 
J 

The  first  settler  was  a  Mr.  Grinnell,  who  only  remained  a  short  time, 
and  then  sold  his  land  to  Lewis  Holdridge,  the  second  man  to  select 
Grafton  Township  as  a  place  of  residence.  The  third  settler  was  Pres- 
cott Whittemore,  who  arrived  in  1838,  from  New  York  state,  and  he 

397 


398 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


lived  here  for  more  than  twenty  years.  Another  pioneer  was  Mr. 
Stowell,  from  Massachusetts,  who  made  Grafton  Township  his  home 
for  ahont  fifteen  years,  and  then  went  to  California,  where  he  died  in 
1870.  William  Robb  was  a  settler  of  1839,  coming  from  New  Haven, 
Connecticut,  locating  in  section  30,  where  he  died  many  years  ago.  For 
a  time  .John  Curren  lived  in  this  township,  but  finally  sold  to  Thomas 
Huntley  and  moved  to  Iowa.  Richard  Hadley  came  to  Grafton  Town- 
ship about  1839-40,  and  James  Winney  and  John  Conover  were  here 
about  the  same  date  last  mentioned. 

PIONEER    EVENTS 

The  first  white  child  born  in  Grafton  Township  was  Marion,  son  of 
William  Robb  and  wife.     He  was  born  in  1839. 

Death  first  invaded  the  home  of  Charles  Stowell  and  wife  and  claimed 
a  two-year-old  daughter,  and  she  was  laid  away  beneath  the  prairie  sod 
in  the  eastern  edge  of  the  village  of  Huntley. 

The  first  to  unite  in  marriage  in  this  township  were  Sanford  Haight 
and  Miss  Mary  A.  Sprague.  They  were  made  man  and  wife  by  Beman 
Crandall,  a  justice  of  the  peace  of  this  township. 

The  first  hotel  in  Grafton  was  kept  by  Prescott  Whittemore.  It  was 
in  fact  his  residence,  but  he  had  to  care  for  the  land  and  home-seekers 
as  they  flocked  into  the  county.  He  carried  this  on  for  ten  years,  more 
for  accommodation  than  for  profit.  When  the  village  of  Huntley  was 
established  Mr.  Whittemore  sought  to  retire,  but  it  was  well  known  that 
his  "latch-string"  always  hung  outside  and  anyone  who  desired  might 
here  find  a  welcome  hand  and  something  good  to  eat. 

CHOLERA 

While  Grafton  was  still  in  its  infancy  as  a  settlement,  three  soldiers 
traveled  on  their  way  to  territory  further  west,  having  been  with  Gen- 
eral Winficld  Scott  in  the  War  with  Mexico.  They  were  stricken  with 
that  dread  disease,  cholera,  and  died,  and  were  buried  in  the  vicinity 
where  later  stood  the  Free  Methodist  Church,  at  the  north  side  of  the 
Township  of  Grafton. 

CEMETERIES 


In  the  early   fifties  the  Protestants,  of  Huntley  village  laid  out  a 
cemetery  south  of  the  place,  the  same  being  originally  two  acres.     In 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  399 

1882  the  Catholics  laid  out  their  cemetery  just  to  the  south  of  the  one 
just  named  above. 

POPULATION 

Grafton  Township  had  a  population  iu  1890  of  1,589;  in  1900,  1,484; 
in  1910,  1,437;  and  in  1920,  1,475. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 

The  following'  are  the  township  officials  of  Grafton  Township  :  Super- 
visor, John  Conley;  assessor,  W.  S.  Conover;  clerk,  E.  H.  Cook;  high- 
way commissioner,  John  F.  Weltzien ;  justices  of  the  peace,  John  Dona- 
hue and  Emil  Arnold ;  constable,  John  French. 

VILLAGE  OF  HUNTLEY 

In  1851  Thomas  S.  Huntley  laid  out  the  village  which  bears  his  name. 
This  was  the  same  year  the  railroad  went  through  the  township  and 
this  village  was  made  a  station  on  the  line,  and  thus  it  soon  began  to  be 
known  abroad,  and  commenced  to  thrive  as  a  small,  but  very  enterpris- 
ing place.  Mr.  Huntley  built  the  first  house  and  used  it  as  dry-goods 
store.  This  building  stood  for  many  years  as  a  monument  of  pioneer 
days  in  the  village  so  well  known  now.  Later  it  was  used  as  a  drug 
store,  but  at  last  disappeared  from  the  village  as  a  thing  of  the  past. 
The  first  hotel  was  erected  by  Sanford  Haight,  and  later  the  structure 
went  into  the  construction  of  Glazier  Hall.  The  first  hotel  was  aban- 
doned soon  after  it  was  built,  and  a  second  one  put  up  by  Lewis  Hold- 
ridge,  and  conducted  by  a  Mr.  Johnson,  then  by  Mr.  Fletcher,  who  sold 
it  to  Byron  Thornton,  in  whose  hands  it  ceased  as  a  hotel.  H.  B.  Brown 
built  the  third  hotel,  and  after  two  years  sold  it  to  Peter  Ferris.  Finally 
the  property  was  burned.  The  next  hotel  was  built  by  George  Scheler 
in  1878 ;  it  was  sold  to  Cummings  Brothers  and  Haight,  who  hired  O. 
P.  Mason  to  run  it.  After  going  into  many  other  hands  it  finally  became 
a  storehouse.  The  well  known  Ellis  House  was  established  by  B.  F. 
Ellis  who  conducted  a  model  modem  American  plan  hotel  many  years. 

EARLY  BUSINESS   INTERESTS 

The  first  general  store  in  Huntley  was  opened  by  T.  S.  Huntley,  who 
after  one  year  sold  it  to  Hoyt  &  Brown,  who  enlarged  the  building  and 


too 


HISTORY  OF  McHBNEY  COUNTY 


greatly  added  to  the  size  of  the  stuck.  Henry  Dunn  opened  tin'  second 
store  in  the  village,  and  a  Mr.  Grisl  the  third  business  place.  A  Mr. 
Hill  was  also  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits  here  for  a  shorl  time.  In 
1862,  the  first  hardware  store  was  ope 1  by  Mr.  Marshall,  who  con- 
tinued three  years  and  sold  to  William  Schemerhorn,  and  he  conducted 
it  five  years,  and  then  turned  it  over  to  his  son.  Theodore.  About  1867 
a  grist  mill  was  operated  at  this  point.  It  was  a  steam  plant  liuilt  by 
the  Jewells,  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  village.  Subsequently,  it 
became  the  property  of  a  Mr.  Schaffler,  and  under  his  proprietorship, 
in  1871,  there  was  a  serious  accident  which  resulted  in  the  killing  of  the 
engineer,  William  Benedict.  Mr.  Schaffler  was  also  injured,  but  not  so 
seriously.  He  rebuilt  the  mill  and  sold  to  a  Mr.  Spanieling,  who  eon- 
ducted  it  till  1876,  when  it  was  burned.-  Spaulding  rebuilt  it  and  sold 
it  to  David  Williams,  who  conducted  it  as  a  iced  mill. 

The  first  harness  shop  in  this  village  was  started  by  F.  J.  Glazier, 
and  the  first  shoe  shop  in  1856  by  Brown  &  Van  Hoozen.  A  wagon  shop 
was  opened  in  1857,  and  Dwight  Ramsdell  was  the  first  blacksmith. 

John  S.  Cummings  shipped  the  first  car  of  hogs  from  Huntley,  and  as 
there  was  no  weighing  scales  in  the  place  he  "guessed"  them  oft',  paying 
three  cents  a  pound,  but  when  he  reached  Chicago  with  his  load,  he 
found  his  estimate  a  little  too  high.  He  also  shipped  the  first  car  of 
cattle  from  Huntley  to  Chicago,  and  received  only  from  $10  to  $15  per 
head. 

The  Huntley  Cheese  Factory  was  an  important  factor  in  the  com- 
munity in  its  day,  during  the  eighties.  It  was  built  by  D.  E.  Wood  & 
Co..  in  1876-7.  At  the  same  time  D.  E.  Wood  and  John  Weltzine  owned 
four  other  factories  of  this  kind  in  McHenfy  County.  When  this  cheese 
industry  flourished  at  Huntley,  some  of  the  business  men  were:  William 
Haekett,  S.  Haight,  George  Van  Valkenburg,  F.  0.  Dain,  Patrick  Duffy, 
Thomas  Fenwick,  J.  G.  Keller,  P.  McNinney,  Wood  &  Waltzine,  A.  Dis- 
brow,  T.  R,  Ferris,  W.  G.  Sawyer,  A.  Oakley,  15.  F.  Ellis,  M.  D.  Hadley. 
Smith  &  Oakley,  Teeple  &  Co.,  Devine  &  Skells,  Hawley  &  Tappen,  Ellis 
&  Ballard,  M.  J.  Kelley,  D.  M.  Williams,  Dr.  0.  K.  Griffith  and  Otto 
Gaupner. 

POST    OFFICE 


The  post  office  was  first  established  here  in  1851.  before  which  time 
people  in  this  neighborhood  went  to  Coral  post  office  for  their  mail. 
Stewart   Cummings  was  the  first  postmaster  at  Huntley  and  following 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  401 

him  were  Peter  Miller,  John  Wales,  Miss  Izanna  Bridge,  H.  B.  Williams, 
John  S.  Cuinmings,  Edward  Haiglit,  T.  R.  Ferris,  John  Donahue,  T.  R. 
Ferris,  E.  H.  Cook  and  J.  F.  Wendt.  This  is  a  third  class  post  office  and 
has  two  rural  routes  going  out  into  the  surrounding  district.  Route 
No.  1  has  as  its  present  carrier,  J.  M.  Venard;  for  Route  No.  2  Thomas 
Frederick. 

INCORPORATION 

Huntley  was  incorporated  as  a  village  under  the  state  laws  in  1872 
with  officers  as  follows :  John  S.  Cummings,  president ;  John  P.  Skells, 
clerk;  H.  B.  Brown,  treasurer;  F.  J.  Glazier,  city  marshal;  D.  E.  Wood, 
Charles  Bruckman,  and  S.  S.  Sprague,  trustees.  Since  that  date  the 
various  presidents  have  been :  Thomas  Grimley,  Jackson  Wood,  0.  K. 
Griffith,  A.'W.  Nash,  Henry  Sinnett,  W.  G.  Sawyer,  Henry  Sinnett,  John 
Wiltzien,  James  Sheldon,  D.  M.  Williams,  John  Wiltzien,  John  Donahue, 
John  Wiltzien,  John  Donahue,  F.  A.  Fisher,  John  Donahue,  Henry 
Maekaben,  J.  F.  Wiltzien. 

The  following  are  the  officials  of  the  village  of  Huntley :  President, 
John  F.  Wiltzien ;  clerk,  Frank  McNeeney ;  treasurer,  W.  F.  Barlett ; 
magistrate,  W.  P.  Whittemore;  marshal,  John  C.  French;  attorney,  F.  B. 
Bennett ;  trustees,  T.  R.  Ferris,  Henry  Williams,  Claud  Williams,  James 
Marsh,  Walter  Butler  and  E.  H.  Cook. 

PUBLIC  IMPROVEMENTS 

In  1910  the  village  bonded  itself  for  water  works.  They  now  have 
three  deep  wells;  an  eighty  foot  steel  tower;  a  twenty-foot  tank  sur- 
mounting the  tower.  Pumping  is  effected  by  means  of  an  electric  motor. 
The  fire  department  is  ecpiipped  with  two  hose  carts,  1,000  feet  of  hose, 
and  a  hook  and  ladder  outfit.  The  village  owns  a  small  frame  hall,  with 
a  jail  in  the  rear  of  it.  A  small,  neat  park  adorns  the  opposite  side  of 
the  chief  business  street,  and  good  paving  obtains  throughout  several 
streets. 


CHAPTER  XXXI 
GREENWOOD   TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — TOPOGRAPHY — EARLY    SETTLERS  —  CEMETERIES — MILLS  —  BUT- 
TER AND  CHEESE  FACTORIES — VILLAGE  OP  GREENWOOD EARLY  INTEREST? 

— POST  OFFICES — HARVEST  PICNIC — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP   OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Greenwood  Township  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Hebron  Township; 
on  the  east  by  McHenry  Township;  on  the  south  by  Dorr  Township; 
and  on  the  west  by  Ilartland  Township.  It  comprises  all  of  congres- 
sional township  45,  range  7.  It  was  named  by  C.  M.  Goodsall,  and  this 
name  was  confirmed  by  township  trustee,  J.  N.  Barber. 

TOPOGRAPHY 

This  township  is  gently  rolling  land,  the  soil  is  extremely  fertile  and 
well  cultivated,  and  the  farms  are  exceedingly  valuable.  At  at  early 
day.  the  valley  of  Nippersink  Creek  was  heavily  timbered  hut  this  growth 
has  long  since  largely  disappeared  at  the  hands  of  the  settlers  who  have 
cut  it  down  for  fuel  and  fencing.  The  main  stream  of  the  township  is 
the  Nippersink  Creek  which  has  several  branches. 

EARLY  SETTLERS 

Probably  Henry  Weston  was  the  first  white  man  to  settle  permanently 
in  what  is  now  Greenwood  Township.  He  came  in  1833,  Queen  Ann 
Prairie  was  named  in  honor  of  his  wife,  who  was  the  first  white  woman 
in  the  township,  and  she  was  the  first  person  to  die  in  this  township. 
Soon  after  her  death,  Mr.  Weston  was  married  (second)  to  a  Miss 
Watson,  and  this  was  the  first  marriage  in  the  township,  although  the 
first  recorded  marriage  is  that  between  Charles  Frame  and  Mary  Dufield 
on  February  1,  1838,  the  ceremony  being  performed  by  Rev.  Joel 
Wheeler. 

402 


THOMAS  LINDSAY 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  403 

Following  Mr.  Weston  the  settlers  were :  Alden,  Almon  and  William 
Stone,  Lewis  Boone,  Henry  Westerman,  Elijah  Slaflon  and  James  Wat- 
son, all  of  whom  made  claim  to  their  land  in  1837. 

Lewis  Boone  took  up  many  acres  of  both  timber  and  prairie  land, 
and  a  Mr.  McCollum  laid  claim  to  a  portion  of  this  land  and  built  a 
cabin  on  it.  This  action  was  resented  by  Mr.  Boone,  who  tore  down  the 
cabin  and  cut  the  logs  in  two,  accusing  McCollum  of  jumping  his  claim. 
Finally,  the  two  men  resorted  to  a  personal  encounter,  in  which  Mr. 
Boone  was  the  conqueror.  McCollum  and  his  friends  then  attacked  the 
Boones  and  drove  them  from  the  land.  A  lawsuit  resulted,  the  same 
being  the  first  filed  on  the  McHenry  County  docket.  Lewis  Boone  re- 
mained in  the  township  until  his  death,  and  was  buried  in  Greenwood 
cemetery.  His  son,  Eldridge  Boone,  was  the  first  white  child  born  in 
the  township,  and  when  he  died  in  1838,  he  was  buried  in  Greenwood 
Cemetery,  his  being  the  first  body  to  be  interred  there. 

George  Weller,  *A.mos  Scofield,  Daniel  Cattle,  Nathan  Dufield,  Jacob 
Eckert,  Michael  J.  and  Peter  J.  Herdklotz  and  their  father  Eldod  Taylor, 
Scpiire  Baldwin,  and  0.  J.  and  A.  P.  Murphy,  all  of  whom  came  prior 
to  1839.  These  settlers  all  located  in  the  eastern  portion  of  Greenwood 
Township.  Another  very  early  settler  was  Neill  Donnelly  who  came 
in   1838. 

CEMETERIES 

About  one-half  mile  south  of  the  village  of  Greenwood  lies  Green- 
wood cemetery.  It  is  the  oldest  burying  place  in  Greenwood  Township. 
Here  repose  many  of  the  pioneers  of  the  township. 

Another  cemetery  was  early  laid  out  near  the  Methodist  Church  in 
southern  part  of  the  township. 

What  is  known  as  the  Soldiers'  Monument  Cemetery  in  this  town- 
ship, originally  contained  one  acre  of  land,  but  was  subsequently  en- 
larged. In  its  midst  stands  the  monument  erected  in  memory  of  the 
soldiers  and  sailors  who  lost  their  lives  during  the  Civil  War.  This  was 
dedicated  July  4,  1880. 

Near  the  center  of  the  township  there  was  platted  a  small  cemetery 
by  the  German  settlers,  and  surrounding  the  Norwegian  Church  the 
people  of  that  faith  laid  their  dead  to  rest. 

MILLS 

In  1841,  Lake  &  Scofield  built  a  saw-mill  on  section  11,  it  being  run 
by  the  waters  of  the  Nippersink  Creek.     For  more  than  a  quarter  of  a 


nil  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

century  this  mill  was  active,  or  until  late  in  tin'  seventies,  when  it  was 
torn  down  and  today  no  trace  of  a  millsite  can  be  seen. 

The  second  mill  of  this  kind  was  built  by  Toles  >v  Brown,  a  mile 
below  the  tirsi  one  just  named.  It  was  also  a  water-mill.  In  1845  they 
also  erected  a  grist-mill  at  an  expense  of  $5.0(10.  but  this  mill  was 
destroyed  l>y  a  tire  in  lMi:!.  Job  Toles  buili  a  grist-mill  in  the  village 
of  Greenwood  at  a  little  later  date.  The  flour-milling  industry  has  long 
since  been  left  to  the  great  milling  centers,  near  to  the  supply  of 
northern  wheat  and  the  farmers  all  buy  their  Hour. 

BUTTER  AND   CHEESE    FACTORIES 

It  is  of  no  little  interest  in  these  days  of  high-priced  butter  and 
cheese,  almost  prohibitive  on  account  of  prices,  to  read  of*  the  many  early 
creamery  and  butter  and  cheese  stations  and  factories  in  this  county, 
including  the  plant  of  Abbott  &  Thompson,  who  built  the  first  cheese 
factory  in  the  township  in  1848,  and  its  capacity  was  more  than  100,000 
pounds  of  cheese  annually.  The  second  cheese  factory  in  the  township 
was  built  in  1S70,  by  Job  Toles.  in  the  village  of  Greenwood.  These  arc 
all  obsolete  industries,  for  today  all  of  the  surplus  milk  is  bottled  and 
shipped  to  Chicago  and  other  great  cities  for  direct  consumption,  while 
other  sections  of  the  United  States  manufacture  the  butter  and  cheese 
which  McHenry  County  farmers  used  to  make  in  such  quantities. 

VILLAGE  OP  GREENWOOD 

Greenwood  is  an  inland  village  which  was  surveyed  in  1842,  and 
platted  into  lots  by  Job  Toles.  He  made  an  addition  to  the  place  in 
1S45.  It  is  finely  situated  on  the  south  branch  of  Xippersink  Creek  on 
section  11.  The  first  residences  here  were  erected  by  Lake  &  Scofield. 
The  first  store  was  started  by  C.  M.  Goodsell.  who  carried  a  very  large 
stock  for  so  early  a  time.  Burr  &  Co.  started  a  wagon  shop  about  as 
soon  as  the  place  was  established. 

Greenwood  contended  for  the  county  seat  when  it  was  removed  from 
McHenry  to  Woodstock  in  1843.  Nol  succeeding  in  that  the  village  has 
not  grown  commercially  as  have  the  railroad  towns  of  the  county,  but 
is  a  beautiful  place  of  residence. 

EVRLY    INTERESTS 

In  1854-55,  Weller  &  Hamilton  planted  several  acres  of  apple  trees. 
and  Greenwood  had  a  nursery  which  was  continued  for  a  number  of 
years,  but  Hamilton  finally  sold  and  moved  to  Ridgefield,  while  Weller 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  405 

closed  out  the  business  at  Greenwood.     Later  Garrison  Bros,  conducted 

a  business  in  furnishing  fruit  and  ornamental  trees,  garden  seeds  and 
flowers.  The  first  orchard  in  the  township  was  set  by  Andrew  .Murphy, 
on  Queen  Ann  Prairie,  in  1842,  the  trees  coming  from  Will  County,  this 
state. 

The  first  store  was  opened  in  Greenwood  Township,  at  Boone's  Mill, 
in  1847,  by  a  Mr.  Lock  wood  who  soon  moved  away,  being  succeeded  by 
C.  M.  Goodsell,  at  the  village  of  Greenwood. 

Since  the  days  of  rural  mail  delivery,  and  near-by  railroad  stations. 
the  trade  of  Greenwood  has  not  even  held  its  own,  there  now  being  but 
a  small  country  store  trade  there. 

Near  Greenwood  and  in  section  10  there  are  several  Indian  Mounds 
in  which  early  excavations  revealed  the  presence  of  numerous  human 
skulls  and  other  remains  and  instruments  of  domestic  use.  supposed  to 
be  the  work  of  Mound  Builders. 

The  first  post  office  in  either  township  or  village  of  Greenwood  was 
established  in  1850,  and  was  kept  in  the  store  of  C.  M.  Goodsell,  the 
first  postmaster.  Other  postmasters  were :  Messrs.  Bobbins,  Martin, 
John  M.  Barber,  J.  H.  Garrison  and  D.  W.  Soper.  Postal  matters  have 
all  been  changed  of  later  years,  for  nearly  every  farmer  has  his  mail 
dropped  at  his  door  every  week-day  morning,  hence  has  little  use  for 
post  offices. 

HARVEST  PICNIC 

During  the  summer  of  1877  the  people  of  Queen  Ann  Prairie  and  the 
surrounding  neighborhood  inaugurated  an  annual  outing  which  became 
for  many  years  very  interesting  and  attractive.  It  was  known  as  the 
"Harvest  Picnic."  The  first  one  occurred  August  23,  1877,  in  the  fine 
grove  owned  by  Michael  Senger.  A  big  dinner  and  excellent  literary 
program  was  enjoyed  by  a  large  gathering.  It  seems  too  bad  that  this 
custom  was  not  kept  up  perpetually. 

POPULATION 

The  census  reports  show  that  this  township  had  in  1890  a  population 
of  899;  in  1910,  90S;  and  in  1920,  858. 

PRESENT   OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  present  officials  of  the  village  of  Greenwood : 
president,  L.  AY.  Thompson;  clerk,  M.  C.  Doolittle;  treasurer,  L.  W. 
Thompson ;  magistrate,  J.  N.  Barber. 


406  HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

TOWNSHIP    OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Greenwood  Township: 
supervisor,  L.  W.  Thompson ;  assessor,  M.  Dassow ;  clerk,  N.  C.  Doolittle ; 
highway  commissioner,  0.  II.  Aavang;  justice  of  the  peace,  John  N. 
Barber;  constable,  Oscar  Anderson. 


CHAPTER  XXXII 
HARTLAND  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — FIRST     SETTLERS — PIONEER     INCIDENTS— CEMETERIES BROOK- 
DALE   POST  OFFICE — EARLY   COUNTERFEITERS POPULATION — RAILROAD 

VILLAGE  OF  HARTLAND TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Ilartland  is  the  second  township  from  the  northern  line  of  the  county 
as  well  as  the  second  from  the  west.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Alden  Township ;  on  the  east  by  Greenwood  Township ;  on  the  south  by 
Seneca  Township  and  on  the  west  by  Dunham  Township,  and  comprises 
all  of  congressional  township  45,  range  6,  east.  When  it  was  first  settled 
by  white  men,  its  surface  was  nearly  all  covered  with  good  timber,  but 
by  the  time  of  the  Civil  War  all  of  the  heaviest  first  growth  had  been  cut 
off.  Grain  and  stock  raising  are  callings  largely  followed  by  the  land- 
owners in  this  township.  The  name  Hartland  was  given  the  township 
in  1840,  in  honor  of  a  town  in  New  York  by  that  name.  The  name 
"Antrim"  was  proposed  by  the  many  Irish  settlers,  but  was  not  adopted 
by  those  in  authority. 

FIRST  SETTLERS 

It  matters  not,  but  here  is  a  conflict  in  history,  three  factions  of 
pioneers  contending,  one  claims  that  the  first  to  locate  within  this  town- 
ship was  P.  Griffin ;  another  set  up  a  claim  that  the  honor  belongs  to 
George  Stafton,  and  still  a  third  faction  is  sanguine  that  to  such  honor 
should  be  attached  the  name  of  John  Quinlan.  It  is  certain  that  all 
three  came  here  at  about  the  same  date.  Right  on  their  heels  was  P.  W. 
Tower,  and  a  Mr.  Smith,  who  gained  the  nick-name  of  "Whisky"  Smith, 
arrived  not  long  thereafter.  P.  M.  Dunn,  William  Fanning,  Alvin  Judd, 
Andrew  J.  Haywood,  Appolos  Hastings,  and  Alonzo  Golder  were  among 
the  pioneer  band  in  Hartland  Township. 

This  township  was  settled  almost  entirely  by  Irish  Catholic  people, 

407 


408 


HISTORY  OF  .AI(  IIKXliV  COFNTY 


who.  strong  in  their  faith,  have  made  excellenl  citizens  and  built  up 
thrifty  and  large  congregations.  Here,  as  in  other  townships  in  t he 
county,  a  few  of  the  settlers  made  their  claims  before  the  land  had  been 
surveyed  by  the  government.  Such  claims  gave  rise  to  many  disputes 
as  in  rights  and  titles,  to  settle  which,  meetings  were  held,  attended  by 
men  with  arms  in  hands,  ready,  if  necessary,  to  maintain  their  rights 
by  force.  All  sm-h  disagreements  were  finally  adjusted  without  the 
spilling  of  blood,  or  creating  of  feuds,  as  has  often  been  the  case  in 
other  sections  of  the  country. 

PIONEER  OCCIDENTS 

John  Short,  later  known  as  "squire"  in  Woodstock  for  many  years. 
a  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Francis  Short,  was  the  first  white  child  born  in 
this  township.  The  date  of  his  birth  was  sometime  in  1836.  His  father 
lived  in  Ilartland  Township  until  his  removal,  early  in  the  eighties,  to 
Woodstock. 

Mrs.  Debbit,  who  died  in  1840.  was  the  first  white  person  to  die  within 
Ilartland  Township,  and  her  remains  were  buried  in  Ilartland  Cemetery. 

The  earliest  marriage  in  the  township,  celebrated  at  the  residence  of 
a  Catholic  priest,  was  that  of  Walter  Gibbs  and  the  widowed  ^Irs. 
Sutton,  but  the  first  recorded  marriage  was  that  uniting  William  Fan- 
ning and  Catherine  Donnelly,  the  ceremony  being  performed  by  Father 
J.  Gregory,  a  Catholic  priest,  on  February  4,  1842. 

CEMETERIES 

Dp  to  1844,  a  rail  or  pole  pen  surrounded  a  single  grave,  and  this 
constituted  the  only  cemetery  in  Ilartland  Township,  but  during  that 
year  Mr.  Brocken  gave  to  the  township  a  piece  of  land  in  section  13  to 
be  used  for  burial  purposes,  and  about  it  is  now  located  Ilartland 
Cemetery.  There  have  been  other  small  burying  plots  within  the 
township. 

BROOKDALE 


During  the  year  1840.  Wesley  Diggins  built  a  saw-mill  on  the  banks 
of  Kishwaukee  Creek,  and  for  a  number  of  years  a  flourishing  business 
was  carried  on  at  that  point.  About  it  grew  up  a  tiny  community, 
known  as  Brookdale,  and  for  a  time  it  was  believed  by  some  that  here 
was  the  nucleus  of  a  citv.  but  with  the  clearing  off  of  the  timber,  and 


HISTORY  OF  McHENBY  COUNTY  409 

the  end  of  the  immense  lumbering  business,  the  trade  was  drawn  away 
to  Harvard  and  Woodstock,  and  this  generation  knows  of  "Brookdale" 
only  by  hearsay.  A  store  was  maintained  there  for  several  years,  as 
was  one  also  at  Oliver's  Corners,  but  it  too  died  a  natural  death.  Other 
little  communities  of  Hartland  Township  prospered  for  a  time  but  soon 
fell  into  that  "dreamless  sleep  that  knows  no  waking."  The  little  ham- 
let of  Hartland  is  the  only  village  now  within  the  township. 

POST    OFFICE 

For  some  years  after  Hartland  Township  was  settled  the  people  had 
to  go  to  McClure's  Grove,  a  distance  of  twenty-five  miles,  for  mail. 
Later  they  received  their  mail  at  Crystal  Lake,  and  finally  a  post  office 
was  established  at  the  residence  of  Alvin  Judd,  about  the  center  of  the 
township.  Eden  post  office  was  established  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
township,  with  Henry  Oliver  as  its  first  postmaster,  and  Peter  McFar- 
land  was  its  second.  At  Deep  Cut  a  post  office  was  established  in  1855, 
and  there  maintained  until  1865.  From  1865  to  1879  the  people  had 
to  go  to  either  Woodstock  or  Harvard  for  mail,  but  in  the  latter  year  a 
post  office  was  established  at  Kishwaukee,  and  Philip  Gafner  was  post- 
master for  many  years.  The  people  of  the  township,  outside  of  the 
circuit  around  Hartland  village,  are  furnished  their  mail  by  the  rural 
free  delivery  system,  daily,  except  Sundays. 

EARLY  COUNTERFEITERS 

At  an  early  day  Hartland  Township  harbored  a  gang  of  counter- 
feiters. These  daring  men  had  their  outfit  in  a  kind  of  natural  cave  in 
the  timber,  which  was  covered  with  planks  and  sod.  In  it  the  counter- 
feiters were  found  to  be  entering  into  competition  with  the  government 
in  the  production  of  silver  coins.  A  mile  away  was  a  shanty  in  which 
the  men  spent  their  time  when  not  working  at  their  unlawful  task.  The 
excellent  citizens  were  not  backward  in  expressing  their  disapproval  of 
these  methods,  and  the  gang,  taking  the  hint  so  openly  expressed,  dis- 
appeared and  were  never  again  seen  in  this  county. 

POPULATION 

In  1890  Hartland  Township  had  a  population  of  960;  in  1900,  874: 
in  1910,  905;  and  in  1920,  860. 


410  HISTORY  OF  McHEXRY  COUNTY 

RAILROAD 

The  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad  traverses  this  township  from 
the  southeastern  to  the  northwestern  part,  through  the  central  portion. 
In  1877  a  depot  established  near  Deep  Cut  was  first  called  Kiswaukee, 
now  is  called  Hartland. 

VILLAGE  OF   HARTLAND 

Hartland  was  platted  in  the  southwest  part  of  section  13  and  in  the 
southeast  of  section  14,  township  45,  range  6,  July  26,  1878.  It  is  the 
only  railroad  station  within  the  township.  It  is  a  small  shipping  point 
and  in  the  midst  of  a  very  fertile  agricultural  section.  A  few  stores 
and  shops  comprise  the  business  interests  of  this  place. 

PRESENT   OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  serving  Hartland  in  an  official  position :  president 
and  treasurer,  Earl  C.  Hughes;  clerk,  John  H.  Haley;  and  magistrate, 
Daniel  H.  Desmond. 

TOWNSHIP    OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Hartland  Township :  super- 
visor, E.  C.  Hughes ;  assessor,  Frank  Sullivan  ;  clerk,  J.  H.  Haley ;  high- 
way commissioner,  C.  R,  Cooney ;  justice  of  the  peace,  D.  H.  Desmond. 


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CHAPTER  XXXIII 
HEBRON  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — ORIGIN  OF  NAME — FIRST  SETTLERS PIONEER  EVENTS — CEM- 
ETERIES— EARLY  INDUSTRIES — VILLAGE  OF  HEBRON POST  OFFICE — IN- 
CORPORATION— EARLY  HISTORY  OF  HEBRON — POPULATION — TOWNSHIP 
OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Hebron  Township  lies  along  the  northern  line  of  the  county,  and  is 
bounded  on  the  north  by  Wisconsin  ;  on  the  east  by  Richmond  Township  ; 
on  the  south  by  Greenwood  Township ;  and  the  west  by  Alden  Town- 
ship. It  comprises  congressional  township  46,  range  7,  east.  It  is  one 
of  the  best  watered  and  drained  townships  in  this  county.  Nippersink 
creek  and  its  tributaries,  with  Goose  Lake  form  a  magnificent  natural 
drainage  system  and  supply  unlimited  water  at  all  seasons  of  the  year. 
While  the  greater  part  is  prairie  land,  considerable  timber  was  originally 
found  growing  along  the  streams.  Grain,  stock  raising  and  dairying  are 
profitablj-  carried  on  here.  Verily  he  who  owns  a  farm  home  in  this 
township  is  an  independent  man. 

ORIGIN    OF    NAME 

The  story  surrounding  the  naming  of  Hebron  Township  is  so  interest- 
ing and  unusual  that  it  is  here  given  at  length.  The  first  white  woman 
to  live  in  Hebron  Township  was  Mrs.  Bela  H.  Tryon,  and  as  is  usual  in 
such  cases  her  home  was  the  gathering  place  for  lonely  pioneers  who 
came  from  far  and  near  to  her  for  motherly  advice,  and  help  in  their 
affairs.  It  was  the  custom  for  them  to  engage  in  singing  during  the 
Sunday  afternoons  and  evenings,  and  upon  one  occasion  after  they  had 
finished  singing  Old  Hebron,  she  suggested  that  Hebron  would  be  a 
good  name  for  the  new  township.  Her  selection  was  approved  and  the 
name  adopted.  On  the  Sunday  following  the  adoption,  the  settlers 
gathered  at  her  home,  and  to  prove  her  pleasure,  she  fried  a  bushel  of 

411 


Ill1 


BISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 


cakes  for  il i.  ;ill  of  which  were  eagerly  consumed  by  the  hungry  men.' 

tired  of  their  own  efforts  at  culinary  operations.  This  is  the  only  in- 
stance in  McHenry  County  of  the  name  being  given  by  a  woman  to  a 
township  division. 

FIRST    -I    II  I.ERS 

The   honor  of   being   the   firsl    settler   in    this   township   belongs   to 

E.  W.  Brigham,  who  made  his  original  claim  in  1836,  and  built  the 
first  house  in  the  township,  constructing  it  of  poles.     Be  was  a  native 

of  Vermont,  as  was  Josiah  II.  Giddings,  the  s ml  settler,  who  erected 

the  first  frame  house,  and  long  continued  to  occupy  it.  although  he 
later  added  to  its  original  proportions.  Bela  B.  Tryon  was  the  third 
settler,  coming  here  in  1836,  and  residing  here  until  his  death  in  184s. 
Be  was  from  New  York  state.  From  that  same  state  also  came  in  to 
this  town-hip.  K.  W.  Stuart.  A.  II.  Parker,  and  John  Sawyer,  very  early 
settlers.  G.  W.  Giddings  and  C.  S.  and  John  Adams  were  settlers  of 
1836. 

PIONEER    EVENTS 

The  first  white  child  born  in  Hebron  Township  was  -Mary  Roblee, 
who  lived  many  years  in  her  native  township.  Arabel  Hibbard  died  in 
September,  1852.  when  eighteen  years  old.  and  hers  was  the  first  death 
in  the  township.  She  was  a  daughter  of  William  and  Julia  Hibbard. 
On  September  7.  1840.  was  celebrated  the  first  marriage  of  the  township, 
when  Rev.  Samuel  Hall  united  George  ('.  Hopkins  aud  Rebecca  Tuttle 
in  marriage. 

CEMETERIES 


The  first  burying  plaee  within  Hebron  Township  was  -•■)  apart  in 
1S44,  two  miles  northwest  of  the  village  of  Hebron,  at  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  a  .Mr.  Duncan,  a  Scotchman,  was  the  first  person  to  be 
buried  in  it.  Another  early  cemetery  was  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
township,  ami  there  several  burials  were  made  before  the  place  was 
abandoned.  This  was  really  a  private  burying  ground  on  the  farm  of 
Hubert   Stuart. 

During  the  sixties,  the  cemetery  at  the  village  of  Hebron  was  laid 
out  and  has  since  been  used.  This  is  Located  righl  south  of  the  main 
village  and  is  handsomely  cared  for. 


HISTORY  OF  McHBNRY  COUNTY  413 

EARLY   INDUSTRIES 

In  the  sixties  and  early  seventies  cheese  factories  sprung  up  here 
and  there  all  over  this  county,  including  those  in  and  near  the  village  of 
Ilehroii.  The  leading  ones  were  those  of  II.  W.  Mead,  George  Conn, 
Robert  Stuart,  a  Mr.  Perrin  and  a  Mr.  MeGraw. 

VILLAGE    OF    HEBRON 

Hebron  village  is  situated  in  Hebron  Township,  in  sections  16  and 
17,  township  46,  range  7,  east.  It  is  situated  on  the  line  of  the  Chicago 
&  Northwestern  Railroad  running  from  Rockford  to  Kenosha,  and  now 
has  a  population  of  more  than  700.  Its  churches  are  the  Methodist, 
Presbyterian,  Baptist  and  the  German  Lutheran.  The  village  has  fra- 
ternal societies — the  Masons,  Odd  Fellows  and  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America. 

At  first  Hebron  was  named  Mead  Station  from  the  fact  that  Henry 
W.  Mead  had  been  appointed  depot  agent  at  this  point  when  the  road 
first  went  through.  The  place  was  platted  on  the  Mead  lands,  they  hav- 
ing been  the  first  settlers  to  locate  here. 

POST  OFFICE 

Prior  to  the  building  of  the  railroad  the  township  of  Hebron  had  two 
country  post  offices,  one  of  which  was  situated  at  the  house  of  Bela  H. 
Tryon,  who  was  the  postmaster,  the  date  of  establishment  being  1839. 
Mail  was  brought  from  Chicago  and  thence  to  Jaynesville,  Wis.  The 
mail  was  carried  on  horseback.  Another  office  was  established  in  1842 
in  the  west  part  of  the  township,  and  kept  at  John  Adam's  place,  he 
being  postmaster.  The  list  of  postmasters  at  Hebron  office  established 
in  1856,  is  as  foUows:  J.  II.  Giddings,  Munson  Goodsell,  Frank  Rowe, 
John  Pettibone,  Frank  Row^e,  George  Boughton,  M.  W.  Merry,  who  held 
it  three  full  terms;  Dr.  E.  A.  Mead,  Henry  Earl,  who  was  commissioned 
in  1913.  This  is  a  third-class  post  office  and  has  two  rural  free  delivery 
mail  routes  going  out  from  it  six  days  each  week.  Route  No.  1  is  now 
in  charge  of  carrier  Ed  Hawthorne,  while  No.  2  is  under  Clyde  Trow. 

INCORPORATION 

Hebron  was  not  incorporated  as  a  village  until  October  21,  1895. 
The  presidents  of  the  village  council  since  the  first  have  been :    G.  W. 


414  HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

Conn,    W.   C.    Hyde.   G.  W.   Conn,    Prank   Rovve,  Z.    II.   Young,   L.   A. 
Nichols  and  F.  C.  Slavin,  and  M.  B.  Spooner. 

In  the  month  of  June,  1906,  a  system  of  waterworks  had  been  in- 
stalled and  were  on  that  date  accepted  by  the  Council.  Bonds  were  sold 
to  provide  this  needful  internal  improvement. 

I'RESENT    OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  officials  of  the  village  of  Hebron:  president, 
.M.  I!.  Spooner;  clerk,  C.  E.  Bieren  ;  treasurer.  Wilder  E.  Smith;  magis- 
trate, K.  Woods;  attorney,  D.  R.  Joslyn,  Sr. ;  trustees,  J.  M.  Trueson, 
M.  C.  Clark,  G.  Phillips,  Frank  Holmes,  M.  B.  Brooks  and  A.  G. 
Dickerson. 

EARLY  COMMERCIAL  INTERESTS 

The  first  store  built  in  Hebron  was  opened  by  M.  S.  Goodsell,  and 
the  first  wagon  shop  was  that  conducted  by  George  Colburn.  The  first 
"village  blacksmith"  was  a  Mr.  Hisden,  while  the  first  shoemaker  was 
James  Rowe.  Among  the  dealers  who  came  in  a  little  later  were: 
William  0.  Broughton,  J.  0.  Reynolds,  Lund  &  Johnson,  C.  F.  Prouty, 
D.  S.  Blodgett,  J.  W.  Webster,  E.  F.  Hews,  II.  W.  Mead,  Frank  Rowe, 
G.  L.  Phillips  and  Taylor  Bros. 

EARLY   HISTORY  OF    HEBRON 

By  Cyrus  L.  Mead 

Recollections  of  one  of  the  oldest  residents,  dating  from  1853  up  to 
the  early  sixties. 

It  is  with  pleasure  that  we  present  to  the  readers  of  The  Tribune 
a  brief  history  of  reminiscence  of  the  early  days  before  Hebron  became 
a  town.  This  information  is  given  us  by  Mr.  C.  L.  Mead,  of  our  village, 
who  has  been  a  resident  of  this  section  since  1853.  Although  in  his 
ninety-second  year,  his  memory  is  very  keen  and  his  physical  condition 
most  wonderfully  preserved.  Following  is  the  story  dating  from  that 
time  on  until  recent  years,  just  as  it  was  dictated  to  the  editor  by  Mr. 
Mead. 

"On  the  fifteenth  day  of  March,  1853,  I  came  to  Woodstock,  Illinois, 
from  Oswego  County,  New  York,  town  of  Sand}-  Creek.  My  early  arrival 
in  that  then  small  and  unattractive  place  was  made  on  that  memorable 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  415 

day  and  well  do  I  remember  the  weather.  The  sun  shone  brightly  and 
the  roads  were  as  dry  as  in  mid-summer. 

"Not  being  favorably  impressed  with  the  village  of  Woodstock,  I 
decided  to  walk  to  Richmond,  a  distance  of  some  sixteen  or  seventeen 
miles.  I  carried  a  large  satchel  or  carpet  bag  in  which  I  carried  my 
wearing  apparel.  Show  me  today  the  young  man  not  yet  in  his  twenty- 
sixth  year  who  would  attempt  to  walk  this  distance  and  carry  a  heavy 
parcel. 

"I  arrived  in  Richmond  about  the  noon  hour  and  took  dinner  at  the 
hotel  then  owned  and  operated  by  Colonel  Gibbs.  In  the  afternoon  1 
walked  to  the  house  of  Barney  Burdiek,  about  a  half  a  mile  northeast 
of  Richmond  and  there  spent  the  time  until  the  next  day. 

"On  the  following  day  I  journeyed  on  foot  to  the  neighborhood  of 
Gena  Junction,  northeast  of  where  my  brother,  Henry  W.  Mead,  was 
then  employed  as  teacher  in  the  Gibbs  district  or  Mound  Prairie. 

"Myself  and  brother  had  purchased  the  400-acre  tract  of  land  now 
lying  north  of  the  Hebron  townsite,  which  we  came  into  possession  of  in 
the  fall  of  1853.  After  taking  possession  of  our  newly  acquired  farm, 
my  brother  Henry  again  resumed  the  teaching  of  school  and  I  busied 
myself  with  the  arranging  of  the  buildings,  there  being  a  fair-sized  house 
already  built.  This  is  the  first  house  that  was  built  in  Hebron  and  stands 
today,  except  for  some  remodeling,  with  many  characteristics  of  its 
original  outlines.  In  later  years  it  was  moved  and  now  stands  as  a  part 
of  the  home  in  which  James  Roan  lives. 

"In  the  year  1854  together  with  my  brother,  we  broke  forty  acres 
iif  sod,  using  seven  or  eight  yoke  of  oxen  to  draw  the  plow.  We  sowed 
wheat  and  barley  and  had  a  fairly  good  crop.  The  harvesting  was  done 
with  an  old  style  cradle  and  grass  scythe. 

"Our  sister,  Mrs.  Emily  Conklin,  kept  house  for  us  and  together  we 
toiled  to  gain  a  footing  in  this  new  country. 

"In  the  fall  of  1854  we  purchased  some  twelve  or  fifteen  head  of 
hogs  which  we  began  feeding  and  by  December  were  ready  for  the 
market.  We  killed  and  dressed  them  and  haided  the  meat  to  Milwaukee 
by  wagon.    We  received  $3.25  per  hundred  for  the  dressed  meat. 

"About  the  sixteenth  of  January,  1855,  I  concluded  to  return  to  New- 
York,  and  although  we  had  experienced  a  very  open  and  mild  winter 
the  snow  began  to  fall  as  I  left  and  we  had  the  heaviest  snow  and  most 
severe  winter  weather  up  until  April. 

"I  reached  my  destination  and  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Finett 
Carman,  in  Wayne  County,  N.  Y.,  on  the  29th  of  January.     We  spent 


416  HISTORY  OF  .M.  II  BNE V  COUNTY 

the  nr\i  few  weeks  iii  New  fork,  when  we  came  to  our  new  home  in 
Hebron,  arriving  here  about  the  middle  of  March.  The  snow  was  yet 
on  the  ground  and  the  weather  verj   severe. 

"That  spring  we  prepared  our  forty  acres  of  new  broken  ground  and 

put  in  wheat.     In  the  harvest  time  we  r< ived  thirty-five  bushels  to  the 

acre.  This  occurred  in  the  time  of  the  Crimean  war  and  we  received  all 
the  way  from  seventy-live  cents  to  .+  1.1'.")  per  bushel  for  the  grain.  Other 
crops  were  of  a  fairly  good  yield  and  times  were  very  good. 

"In  the  year  1856,  April  1st,  we  sowed  wheat,  which  looked  like  a 
promising  yield,  but  a  late  frost  occurred  about  the  first  of  June,  and 
although  the  grain  was  of  good  height  it  only  yielded  an  average  of 
nine  bushels  of  poor  wheat  to  the  acre. 

"Here  I  wish  to  speak  of  some  of  the  early  pioneers  and  neighbors 
who  resided  in  this  country  and  helped  to  subdue  the  vast  prairies  of 
this  fertile  township.  To  the  east  were:  Eden  Wallin,  Alphonso  Tyler. 
Fred  Smith,  L.  D.  Seaman  and  a  man  by  the  name  of  Farman.  who 
owned  the  Simes  place  at  that  time.  To  the  west  we  had  'Pappy'  or 
Zenus  Pierce,  Colonel  Ehle,  John  Adams.  Whitney  Brigham,  Deacon 
Tower,  Sheldon  Sperry,  Deacon  Sawyer,  Wm.  Woodbury,  ('apt.  Stone, 
•  has.  Wright,  Squire  Giddings,  Volney  Phillips.  To  the  south  were 
Rowel  Carney,  John  and  Peter  O'Dell,  living  on  the  farms  now  owned 
by  A.  J.  Cole.  We  had  no  neighbors  within  two  miles  to  the  north, 
there  being  no  road  in  that  direction. 

"The  first  post  office  was  at  the  home  of  John  Adams  located  where 
the  present  home  of  Charles  Nichols,  Sr.,  now  stands,  two  miles  west  of 
town.  We  received  mail  twice  a  week  from  McHenry  to  Big  Foot,  the 
trip  being  covered  by  a  mule  team  conveyance  which  also  hauled  freight, 
etc. 

"Dr.  Giddings  built  a  residence  on  the  present  site  of  the  R.  D.  Sill 
residence,  which  has  also  undergone  many  alterations  and  repairs,  al- 
though the  original  part  of  the  structure  is  still  standing.  This  was  the 
first  house  built  in  Hebron  after  my  coming  here. 

"After  Dr.  Giddings  built  this  house,  the  post  office  was  moved  to 
his  home  and  even  after  the  post  office  was  moved  to  the  Goodsell  store 
in  1861,  it  still  went  under  the  name  of  Giddings  and  all  business  of 
the  government  was  done  through  his  name. 

"At  that  early  time  there  was  no  envelopes,  although  they  were  soon 
adopted,  but  at  that  time  we  simply  folded  our  letter  and  placed  some 
sealing  wax  on  the  fold  to  hold  it  securely.  The  postage  at  that  time 
was  five  cents  and  we  didn't  send  very  many  letters. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  417 

"In  the  year  1S55  the  first  sehoolhouse  was  built  and  is  the  building 
now  occupied  by  the  Hebron  bakery.  David  Rowe  was  the  carpenter 
who  done  the  building.  Miss  Rebecca  Lord  taught  the  first  school  in 
the  summer  of  1S55  in  a  granary  on  the  Rowel  Carney  (George  Fran- 
cisco) farm  and  in  the  fall  the  school  was  resumed  in  the  new  building. 

"The  first  board  of  directors  were  C.  L.  Mead,  Henry  Ehle  and 
Rowel  Carney.  I  served  on  the  school  board  continuously  from  1855 
until  1880,  except  one  year. 

"In  the  year  1855  there  was  no  road  leading  either  north  or  south, 
all  travel  being  done  in  an  easterly  and  westerly  direction. 

"In  the  fall  of  1855  I  purchased  the  eighty-acre  farm  which  I  now 
own,  for  $22.50  per  acre. 

"In  1856  we  purchased  fourteen  head  of  steers  and  fed  them  on 
meal  and  corn  fodder.  The  meal  was  secured  by  taking  corn  to  Rich- 
mond to  the  mill  and  having  it  ground.  I  had  no  previous  experience 
witli  cattle  feeding,  notwithstanding  I  had  very  good  success  and  by 
April  18,  1857,  we  sold  these  steers  for  $3.25  per  hundred.  Eggs  and 
butter  at  that  time  sold  at  a  low  price.  Butter  was  twelve  and  one-half 
cents  to  fifteen  cents  per  pound  and  eggs  were  five  cents  and  six  cents 
per  dozen,  which  was  taken  in  trade  at  the  stores. 

"The  crops  in  1856  were  just  fair  for  a  new  country  and  we  did  not 
have  much  money. 

"In  the  summer  of  1857  we  purchased  some  steers  and  a  few  head 
of  sheep  and  began  dealing  in  stock  to  some  extent,  also  putting  in  our 
usual  crop  of  wheat,  oats  and  barley  and  some  corn. 

"By  October  we  had  selected  about  fifteen  head  of  steers  which  we 
had  intended  to  feed,  we  also  had  a  good  drove  of  seventy-five  or  eighty 
fat  sheep.  About  the  29th  of  October,  a  cattle  dealer  came  along,  a  Jew, 
and  wanted  to  buy  our  herds.  My  brother  had  purchased  a  carload  of 
hogs  and  together  with  the  sheep  and  steers,  we  sold  the  entire  lot  to 
the  Jew  and  did  not  feed  any  stock  that  winter,  delivering  our  stock  to 
Richmond,  where  they  were  loaded  onto  the  trains. 

"In  the  year  1858  the  regular  farm  work  was  done  and  crops  raised 
were  not  extra  good,  prices  were  also  very  low.  In  November  I  drove 
seventeen  head  of  steers  to  Milwaukee,  walking  the  whole  distance  and 
without  the  aid  of  help.  I  marketed  the  bunch  for  $3.00  per  hundred 
and  came  home  by  rail  as  far  as  Springfield,  Wis.,  thence  by  stage  to 
Lake  Geneva,  and  walked  the  balance  of  the  way  home. 

"About  the  first  of  the  month  of  December  I  again  drove  a  herd  of 
one  hundred  head  of  sheep  to  Milwaukee,  this  time  covering  the  distance 


us 


HISTORY  OF  McIIEXKY  COUNTY 


on  foot  and  alone  as  before,  receiving  in  the  neighborhood  of  $3.00  per 
hundred. 

"About  the  10th  of  January,  1859,  I  drove  some  fourteen  head  of 
cattle  to  Milwaukee,  which  I  had  purchased  of  different  farmers.  These 
steers  were  in  good  condition  and  made  the  trip  as  well  as  our  previous 
herds.  In  about  two  weeks  I  again  made  the  trip  on  foot  to  Milwaukee, 
with  some  nine  or  ten  head  of  fat  steers.  The  country  was  new  and  it 
was  difficult  to  find  a  place  to  shelter  myself  and  stock  for  the  night. 
About  the  first  of  March,  I  went  for  the  fifth  time  with  a  herd  of  sheep, 
which  were  in  very  poor  condition  and  my  experience  was  very  costly, 
realizing  very  little  if  anything  on  this  trip.  During  my  whole  business 
transactions  I  was  never  held  up  or  robbed,  although  forced  to  carry  the 
proceeds  of  my  herds  home  in  money,  checks  were  unheard  of  at  that 
time.  The  five  trips  to  .Milwaukee  covered  over  300  miles  and  would  be 
considered  an  impossibility  or  a  rare  undertaking  on  foot  in  the  winter 
months  at  least. 

"Our  farming  activities  had  so  increased  that  we  employed  two  men, 
my  brothei'  teaching  school  in  the  winter  months,  and  in  the  following 
year  of  1859  and  1860  we  were  very  actively  engaged.  The  steers  we 
sold  this  year  brought  a  better  price  and  were  sold  to  a  Mr.  Knowles, 
of  Marengo. 

"In  the  year  of  1860  my  brother  went  with  a  shipment  of  cattle  to 
the  Chicago  market,  then  situated  about  six  miles  west  of  Chicago  known 
as  'Bull  Head  Market.'  At  that  time  there  were  also  a  market  and 
slaughter  house  located  at  Twenty-second  Street.  The  Merrick  Yards, 
near  Cottage  Grove,  was  the  third  yards  and  slaughter  pens. 

"The  Methodist  Church  was  built  in  the  year  1861  and  dedicated  in 
the  year  1862,  in  September.  Elder  Jewett  w-as  the  promoter  and  be- 
sides being  a  good  organizer,  his  ability  as  a  horse  trader  is  also  recalled. 

"In  the  year  I860  I  raised  and  fattened  a  carload  of  hogs  and  had 
them  read}'  for  shipment  over  the  new  railroad,  which  reached  Hebron 
in  1861.  About  the  last  of  May  the  hogs  were  loaded  onto  a  flat  car  and 
shipped  to  Milwaukee.  This  was  the  first  car  of  stock  out  of  Hebron. 
The  railroad  was  of  light  construction  and  very  little  stock  was  shipped 
at  that  time. 

"Henry  W.  Mead  was  appointed  agent  of  the  local  station  and  the 
first  station  was  built  at  that  time.  My  brother  continued  to  be  the  agent 
until  after  years,  when  the  road  installed  telegraphy.  The  station  was 
known  as  Mead's  Station,  but  was  changed  to  Hebron. 

"In  the  vear  1867  the  Linn-Hebron  Church  was  built  and  is  still 


- 
- 
M 
W 


- 

— 

- 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  419 

standing  as  first  erected.  Elder  Lord  was  the  first  minister  and  previous 
to  the  building  of  the  new  church,  held  services  in  the  residence  now 
occupied  by  Willis  Brown,  which  was  then  the  Elder's  home. 

"The  Baptist  Church  was  built  in  1876  and  cost  about  $3,000.  The 
Presbyterian  Church  was  built  in  1877.  The  cemetery  in  Hebron  was 
laid  out.  in  1860.  Volney  Phillips  being  one  of  the  promoters  and  to 
my  recollection,  the  first  man  buried  in  the  new  place.  The  German 
Lutheran  Church  was  constructed  in  1900. 

"In  the  year  1862,  Henry  W.  Mead  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  Turner, 
and  myself  and  family  moved  from  the  north  side  of  Hebron  to  the 
eighty-acre  tract  which  I  still  own,  my  brother  occupying  the  original 
farm,  thereby  dividing  our  interests  and  embarking  separately. 

"In  going  along  I  failed  to  mention  the  fact  that  in  1853  the  only- 
persons  owning  a  buggy  with  steel  springs  were  B.  Tryon  and  Colonel 
Ehle.     Buggies  were  just  coming  into  use  in  this  section  at  that  time. 

"The  first  cheese  factory  was  built  by  William  and  Robert  Stewart 
on  the  farm  now  owned  by  John  J.  Stewart  in  the  year,  as  I  recollect, 
1865.  In  1868  Henry  W.  Mead  built  a  factory  just  north  of  the  town 
site  on  his  farm. 

"The  first  schoolhouse  was  moved  from  the  original  site  to  Main 
Street  in  the  year  1878,  and  is  now  occupied  by  the  bakery.  A  brick 
building  was  erected  which  was  the  first  half  of  the  original  building 
which  was  discarded  for  the  new  modern  structure  which  now  adorns 
the  site.  The  first  brick  structure  was  built  by  Beck  and  Strowler.  The 
board  at  that  time  were:   E.  R.  Phillips,  C.  L.  Mead  and  D.  A.  Clary. 

"The  only  man  now  living  who  was  here  at  that  time  is  George  W. 
Seamon,  we  being  the  two  oldest  residents. 

"Our  wheat  crop  in  1860  went  thirty  bushels  per  acre  and  with  the 
1855  crop  of  thirty-five  bushels  per  acre  were  the  only  two  which  paid 
us  for  the  raising. 

"The  first  teachers  in  the  new  brick  schoolhouse  were:  Friendly 
Strong  and  Miss  Mary  Brigham,  the  latter  being  a  resident  of  Hebron 
at  this  time. ' ' 

POPULATION  ' 

The  census  gives  the  population  of  this  township  in  1890  as  1,430 ; 
in  1900  it  was  the  same  number;  in  1910  it  was  1,167;  and  in  1920  it 
was  1,363. 


420 


HISTORY  OF  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

TOWNSHIP   OFFICIALS 


The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Hebron  Township:  super 
visors,  II.  -M.  Turner;  assessor,  Charles  Hawthorne;  clerk.  L.  K.  Rowe; 
highway  commissioner,  Fred  Peterson;  justices  of  the  peace,  Carlton 
Hunt  and  F.  B.  Woods;  constables,  <i.  M.  Honsholder  and  Dyle  Pierce. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV 
MARENGO  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARLY      SETTLERS — ORIGINAL      NAME — EARLY      EVENTS CEM- 
ETERIES— POPULATION — TOWNSHIP      OFFICIALS CITY       OF       MARENGO 

EARLY  BUSINESS  INTERESTS MUNICIPAL  HISTORY — FIRE  DEPARTMENT 

PLACES    OF    AMUSEMENT HOTELS POST    OFFICE — COMMUNITY     CLUB 

REMINISCENCES  OF  MARENGO FIFTY  YEARS  AND  MORE  AMONG  THE  BEES. 

BOUNDARIES 

Marengo  Township  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Dunham  Township ; 
on  the  east  by  Seneca  Township ;  on  the  south  by  Riley  Township ;  on 
the  west  by  Boone  County,  and  it  is  described  as  congressional  township 
44,  range  5.  The  Kiswaukee  and  Rush  creeks  together  with  their  numer- 
ous small  tributaries  furnish  abundant  water  and  drainage.  Originally, 
this  township  was  almost  entirely  a  prairie  section,  the  soil  is  of  a  rich, 
fertile  character,  and  the  farms  of  today  are  among  the  highest  priced 
and  most  valuable  of  any  within  this  county.  This  is  the  only  township 
in  MeHenry  County  that  has  a  stone  quarry  of  any  considerable  im- 
portance ;  and  it  is  located  on  section  31. 

EARLY  SETTLERS 

Calvin  Spencer  came  here  from  Seneca  County,  Ohio,  in  the  spring 
of  1835,  and  made  his  claim  in  what  later  became  Marengo  Township. 
He  was  accompanied  by  his  sister,  and  she  was  the  first  white  woman 
to  keep  house  in  the  township.  Soon  after  locating  here  Mr.  Spencer 
was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Hance,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  eight 
children.  He  lived  until  1875,  when  he  died  in  Marengo  Township.  In 
the  autumn  of  1835,  Moses  Spencer,  father  of  Calvin  Spencer,  joined 
his  son  and  daughter,  and  in  November  that  year  his  wife  died,  hers 
being  the  first  death  in  the  township. 

During  the  winter  of  1835-36  Ward  BurlejT  located  in  Marengo  Town- 
ship, and  he  was  the  third  settler.    His  claim  was  the  present  site  of  the 

421 


4'2'2 


HISTORY  OF   MellKXRY   OOfXTY 


city  of  Marengo,  and  ii  is  interesting  to  note  that  he  traded  his  now 
extremely  valuable  land  to  Prank  Stafford  for  a  stock  of  dry  goods,  and 
dealt  in  merchandise  for  a  time,  and  practiced  medicine.  He  was  the 
first  doctor  to  locate  within  the  township,  and  was  actively  engaged  in 
medical  practice  until  his  death  in  1 S47.  John  Sponsable  located  here 
in  1836,  coming  in  from  Garden  Prairie,  Boone  County.  111.,  where  he 
had  made  a  claim,  but  only  remained  there  a  short  time,  then  located  in 
.Marengo,  and  (lure  died  in  1846.  His  brother,  William  Sponsable,  came 
in  the  fall  of  1835.  His  claim  had  formerly  been  taken  by  Richard  M. 
Simpkins,  but  the  latter  removed  to  Coral  Township.  William  Spon- 
sable, after  buying  the  Simpkins  claim,  later  sold  it  to  another  settler, 
and  moved  to  Seneca  Township.  In  the  fall  of  1835,  I.  Bache  came  in 
from  Pennsylvania,  and  purchased  a  claim  upon  which  he  resided  until 
1840.  Amos  B.  Coon  came  to  Marengo  Township  October,  1835,  from 
Bradford.  Penn.,  but  after  a  short  stay  went  to  some  one  of  the  Southern 
states.  In  1837,  however,  he  returned  and  for  very  many  years  was 
engaged  in  an  active  practice  as  an  attorney.  Theophilus  Renwick  was 
another  settler  of  1836,  and  in  1837,  M.  B.  Bailey  arrived  in  Marengo, 
and  opened  a  small  store  in  the  village  of  Marengo,  which  he  conducted 
for  a  short  time.  He  lived  here  until  1882,  when  he  died.  George  R. 
Page,  George  Bennett,  J.  A.  Davis,  William  and  Charles  Barnes,  Tim- 
othy McNamara,  and  H.  H.  Chapman  were  all  pioneers  of  Marengo 
Township. 

ORIGINAL   NAME 

Originally  this  township  was  called  Pleasant  Grove,  but  when  the 
post  office  was  established  it  was  called  Marengo,  and  when  the  township 
was  organized  by  the  county  board,  for  convenience  sake,  the  same  name 
was  given  it  as  the  post  office  held:  hence  the  civil  township,  the  village 
and  its  [lost  office  arc  all  known  by  one  and  the  same  name,  Marengo. 

PIONEER  EVENTS 


Dr.  Ward  Burley  and  wife  had  a  son  born  to  them  soon  after  coming 
to  the  township,  and  it  is  believed  that  he  was  the  first  white  child  born 
within  Marengo  Township.     This  child  only  lived  two  years. 

The  first  marriage  ceremony  performed  was  that  by  Justice  of  the 
Peace  M.  B.  Spencer.  January  14.  1838,  when  he  united  in  wedlock 
M.  B.  Bailey  and  Miss  Lydia  Ilance. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  423 

The  earliest  grist-mill,  built  in  1846,  was  located  one  and  one-half 
miles  northwest  of  Marengo.  No  traces  of  this  mill  have  been  seen  for 
more  than  thirty-five  years. 

CEMETERIES 

A  little  burial  ground  lying  north  of  the  village  of  Marengo  was 
platted  by  the  Scotch  people  living  in  that  vicinity,  and  used  by  them. 

The  Catholic  cemetery  of  Marengo  lies  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
place  and  was  laid  out  late  in  the  seventies. 

The  Marengo  Cemetery  proper  is  directly  north  of  the  railroad,  and 
was  laid  out  in  1861.  It  originally  comprised  ten  acres,  but  later  was 
expanded.  There  are  other  small  burying  grounds  in  various  parts  of 
the  township. 

POPULATION 

The  census  for  1890,  1900,  1910  and  1920  gave  the  following  as  the 
population  of  Marengo  Township:  In  1890,  2,702;  in  1900,  2,859;  in 
1910,  2,250,  and  in  1920,  2,442.  The  corporation  of  Marengo  had  in 
1900  as  high  as  2,005  inhabitants. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Marengo  Township : 
supervisor,  D.  M.  Wright;  assessor,  J.  G.  Kitchen;  clerk,  J.  T.  Beldin ; 
highway  commissioner,  J.  F.  Wilson ;  justices  of  the  peace,  J.  C.  Tanner 
and  A.  G.  Beath ;  constables,  Willis  Jobe  and  M.  M.  Wilson. 

CITY   OF    MARENGO 

Marengo  was  platted  in  1846  by  Damon  &  Spencer,  and  at  a  time 
when  there  was  a  small  community  settlement.  The  surveyor  was  A.  B. 
Coon.  It  is  situated  in  the  extreme  southeast  corner  of  the  Township 
of  Marengo,  in  sections  25,  26,  35,  36.  It  is  described  as  being  all  within 
congressional  township  43,  range  5,  east. 

The  first  house  erected  on  the  townsite  of  Marengo  was  that  of 
Joseph  Bryton,  which  was  built  in  1835.  Moody  Bailey  opened  the  first 
store  in  1837 ;  A.  M.  Canon  opened  the  first  wagon  shop,  and  Mr.  Blakes- 
lev  was  the  first  blacksmith. 


424  HISTORY  OF  MoHENRY  COUNTY 

i:ai;i,v  BUSINESS  INTERESTS 

Among  the  men  arid  concerns  to  be  engaged  in  business  at  .Marengo 
later  than  1SSII  may  be  recalled  with  certainty  the  following:  P.  G. 
Vail,  Skinner  &  Treat,  Farmers  &  Drovers  Bank,  B.  S.  Parker,  First 
National  Hank,  C.  V.  Wells,  William  Dougherty,  P.  T.  Parkhurst,  Wil- 
liam Blood,  Alexander  Walling,  John  Celley,  .John  Arlington  &  Co., 
Tillman  Gallaway,  Reuben  Miller,  N.  D.  Jackson,  Gady,  York  &  Thomp- 
son, John  Miles,  ('.  II.  Ilanee,  K.  W.  Alderman,  Arthur  Wilbur,  C.  I. 
I.oyington,  M.  A.  Webb,  William  Stewart,  Asa  Wood,  P.  W.  Patrick 
&  Co.,  William  F.  Abbott,  Casely  &  Fillmore,  Vail,  Otis  &  Co.,  A.  S. 
Norton  &  Co.,  Gilbert  Metcalf,  C.  W.  Ingersoll,  W.  II.  Sanders,  Pacific 
Eotel,  D.  G.  Buck,  Almon  &  Ryder,  C.  F.  Renwick,  W.  A.  Treat,  S.  A. 
Srissey,  G.  W.  Saunders,  J.  II.  Bulard,  Almon  &  Ryder,  Henry  Under- 
wood,  George  Crego,  Rodgers  Brothers,  Teeple  &  Co.,  E.  P.  Persons, 
A.  R.  Coon,  Ira  R.  Curtiss,  George  Sampter,  J.  A.  Read,  H.  E.  &  F.  A. 
Patrick,  P.  B.  Smith,  A.  P.  Abbott,  David  Johnson,  W.  P.  Pringle, 
Metcalf  &  Brown,  A.  L.  Derry,  George  Stanford,  Bartholomew  &  Co., 
AY.  II.  Mesick,  S.  C.  Wernham,  L.  C.  Nutt,  J.  W.  Green,  C.  N.  Clark, 
0.  L.  Sherman,  Marengo  Pickle  Manufacturing  Company,  J.  J.  Wilson, 
C.  Fraidrieh,  J.  Griffin,  H.  D.  Storms,  Frank  Gaskell. 

MUNICIPAL   HISTORY 

Marengo  was  incorporated  as  a  village  February  24,  1857.  The  first 
officers  were  as  follows:  F.  Stafford,  president;  Calvin  Spencer,  Fletcher 
Lindsley,  A.  R.  Parkhurst,  I.  P.  Warner,  trustees,  and  J.  B.  Babcock, 
clerk. 

The  village  history  extended  down  to  September.  l,s!t:5,  when  it  be- 
came a  city  incorporation.  The  first  officers  under  city  incorporation 
were — E.  D.  Shurtlcff,  mayor;  C.  P.  Fillmore,  clerk;  A.  S.  Norton, 
treasurer;  J.  M.  Marks,  attorney:  aldermen — II.  II.  Blair,  N.  L.  Jackson, 
IT.  G.  Otis,  E.  P.  Vail,  J.  H.  Patterson,  S.  C.  Wernham. 

The  present  city  officers  are — C.  B.  Whittemore,  mayor;  Clifford 
Woeben,  clerk;  A.  C.  Smith,  treasurer;  E.  D.  Shurtleff,  attorney: 
councilmen — Fred  Dunker,  A.  E.  Thompson,  J.  E.  Heath,  C.  W.  Wilke, 
Willis  Job,  C.  J.  Coarson. 

PRESENT    OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  present  officials  of  the  city  of  Marengo :  mayor, 
W.  C.  Woodward;  clerk,  C.  A.  Woleben ;  treasurer,  Carlton  S.  Robb; 


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HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  425 

health  official,  W.  S.  Eshbaugh ;  magistrate,  J.  II.  Kitchen;  marshal, 
Byron  Miller;  attorney,  R.  D.  Donovan;  aldermen,  J.  E.  Heath,  W.  S. 
Seronguer,  F.  R.  Ocock,  A.  E.  Thompson,  F.  U.  Piper  and  C.  E.  Kelley. 

PUBLIC  IMPROVEMENTS 

A  system  of  waterworks  was  installed  in  1894.  Wells  were  sunk  and 
a  good  supply  of  pure  water  was  obtained  and  this  system  continues  to 
the  present.  It  was  piped  throughout  the  city,  a  standpipe  erected 
and  has  been  a  blessing  to  the  place  ever  since.  The  city  bonded  itself 
for  this  and  other  improvements,  but  all  such  debts  are  paid  off,  and  the 
city  government,  aside  from  a  few  small  bills,  is  free  of  any  debt.  In 
1905  a  sewer  system  was  commenced  and  later  completed;  paving  fol- 
lowed in  1908,  and  now  one  sees  and  appreciates  a  beautiful,  even  brick 
paving  instead  of  former  black  dirt  roads.  A  volunteer  fire  company 
keeps  the  city  safe  from  the  fire  ravages  of  former  years.  They  have 
an  auto-truck  and  hose  wagons,  bought  at  an  expense  of  $2,000.  At 
present  the  lights  of  the  city  are  provided  by  a  private  corporation. 
Before  1908  electric  lights  were  furnished  by  a  local  municipally  owned 
plant. 

FIRE  DEPARTMENT 

The  Marengo  Fire  Corps  was  organized  October  29,  1883,  by  H.  B. 
Smith,  J.  Teeple  and  A.  W.  Kelley,  with  a  charter  membership  of  fifty- 
two.  The  need  of  such  an  association  of  men  was  felt  on  many  former 
occasions,  but  never  more  than  on  March  5,  1876,  when  the  Ryder  House 
and  adjoining  stores  were  destroyed.  There  was  also  a  large  fire 
January  4,  1867.  When  this  fire  corps  was  organized  A.  S.  Gormon  was 
made  its  secretary;  E.  A.  Vandevere,  treasurer;  and  H.  D.  Otis,  Charles 
Ingersoll  and  J.  Teeple,  directors.  For  a  number  of  years  this  company 
was  maintained  and  did  fine  work,  but  as  the  place  grew  and  times 
changed,  it  was  finally  superseded  by  other  organizations.  It  is  now 
the  ordinary  volunteer  fire  company,  named  above. 

PLACES  OP  AMUSEMENT 

It  was  in  April,  1883,  that  the  Marengo  Opera  House  was  built  by 
R.  M.  Patrick  at  a  cost  of  $30,000.  At  that  day  it  was  among  the  finest 
playhouses  in  all  Northern  Illinois. 


426 


HISTORY  OF  MeHEXRY  COUNTY 


At  present  the  places  of  amusement  consist  of  occasional  home  talent 
plays,  and  the  moving  picture  entertainments. 

HOTELS 

The  first  hotel  at  Marengo  was  built  by  Calvin  Spencer  in  1835,  at 
the  corner  of  State  and  Main  streets.  This  was  constructed  of  logs  from 
the  nearby  forests,  and  was  but  sixteen  feet  square.  When  it  was  erected 
it  was  not  with  the  intention  of  using  it  for  a  hotel,  hut  Mr.  Spencer  soon 
found  that  he  could  not  turn  away  the  stranger,  so  engaged  in  the  hotel 
business.  In  the  spring  of  1836  he  built  two  more  log  houses  about  18x26 
feet  in  size;  these  served  until  1838,  when  he  added  a  frame  structure 
1  fix  IS  feet.    Mr.  Spencer  continued  in  the  hotel  business  until  1842. 

In  1841  David  Hammer  built  a  log  hotel,  and  conducted  it  a  short 
time.  In  1842  a  Mr.  Basford  bought  the  Spencer  Hotel,  and  took  David 
Hammer  as  a  partner.  The  firm  of  Basford  &  Hammer  subsequently 
ereeted  a  frame  hotel  of  considerable  proportions,  and  it  was  used  many 
years  for  hotel  purposes  by  various  persons.  Later  it  passed  into  the 
hands  of  D.  Johnson  who  converted  it  into  a  private  residence. 

About  1853,  or  possibly  a  year  later,  Jacob  A.  Davis  built  a  hotel  on 
the  site  later  occupied  by  the  Ryder  House,  and  this  was  used  as  a  hotel 
until  1876,  when  it  was  destroyed  by  fire.  At  that  time  it  was  the  prop- 
erty of  A.  Ryder,  who  immediately  rebuilt  and  gave  the  new  structure 
his  own  name.  This  and  other  hotels  have  been  built,  served  a  good 
purpose  and  been  abandoned,  while  other  more  modern  hotels  have  taken 
their  place  and  serve  the  traveling  public  today. 

POST  OFFICE 


The  first  post  office  in  the  vicinity  of  Marengo  was  established  in 
1841,  and  was  kept  by  Alfred  King,  at  his  residence,  one  mile  west  of 
the  present  city  of  Marengo.  David  Hammer  succeeded  King,  although 
for  a  time  the  post  office  was  kept  at  the  home  of  Joseph  Deitz,  but  was 
then  removed  to  the  corner  of  State  and  Main  streets.  Colonel  Cornelius 
Lansing  was  the  third  postmaster,  and  William  F.  Combs  was  the  fourth, 
he  keeping  the  office  in  a  store  on  the  site  later  occupied  by  the  Free 
Methodist  Church.  The  office  was  then  moved  to  the  southwest  corner 
of  State  and  Main  streets,  where  the  postmaster  was  L.  L.  Crandall.  As 
the  fifth  postmaster,  Anson  Sperry  was  appointed  in  1853,  and  held  the 
office  until  1861,  it  being  in  the  meanwhile  moved  to  the  site  later 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  427 

occupied  by  the  Marengo  Opera  House.  From  1861  to  1873  Dr.  0.  S. 
Jenks  was  postmaster  and  he  had  his  office  in  a  building  later  used  by 
William  C.  Stewart  as  a  dry  goods  store.  Mr.  Stewart  succeeded  to  the 
office,  was  postmaster  from  1873  to  1882,  and  kept  the  office  in  the  same 
building  as  did  his  predecessor.  In  1882  J.  Q.  Adams  was  appointed 
postmaster,  and  he  removed  the  office  to  the  southwest  corner  of  State 
and  Washington  streets.  From  that  date  to  now  it  will  hardly  be  of 
interest  to  trace  the  many  homes  had  by  this  post  office.  The  postmasters 
since  the  administration  of  the  above  named  men  have  been  :  J.  Q.  Adams 
from  1882  to  1894,  F.  M.  Mead  from  1894  to  1898,  then  he  was  succeeded 
by  J.  Q.  Adams,  and  he  in  turn  in  1902  by  Charles  Scofield.  In  1915 
came  James  Cleary  and  in  1919  Charles  Gilkerson.  This  newly  appointed 
postmaster  wisely  kept  the  old  clerks,  who  had  been  efficient  in  their 
places.  They  are  as  follows:  Miss  Bertha  Rowe,  assistant  postmaster, 
and  Miss  Lucretia  Marshall,  clerk.  The  rural  carriers  are:  L.  D.  Shel- 
don, route  1 ;  Mrs.  Ina  Coonradt,  route  2 ;  Lee  Grover,  route  3 ;  D.  E. 
Echternach,  route  4. 

The  Marengo  office  sold  Thrift  Stamps  during  1917  to  the  amount  of 
$31,204.36. 

The  Marengo  office  was  a  second  class  office  up  to  about  1917  when  it 
was  set  back  to  a  third  class,  when  the  general  cry  at  Washington  was 
''retrenchment." 

COMMUNITY   CLUB 

111  the  summer  of  1916  E.  D.  Patrick  remodeled  the  Marengo  Opera 
House  Building,  and  at  that  time  submitted  a  plan  to  furnish  and  fit  up 
on  the  third  floor  of  this  building  a  hall  and  clubrooms  consisting  of  a 
hall  48  by  70  feet  with  20-foot  ceilings,  billiard  room,  reception  rooms, 
kitchen  and  dressing  rooms  with  lavatory  and  toilet  fittings,  install  lights 
and  heat  the  same  for  an  annual  rental  of  $360.00. 

Accordingly,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  organize  the  Community 
Club  of  Marengo,  and  they  perfected  such  an  organization,  whose  pur- 
pose it  was  to  furnish  clean  and  healthful  entertainment  and  physical 
training  and  exercise  to  the  members  and  families  of  the  Community 
Club.    The  membership  fee  was  fixed  at  $5  and  $6  per  year  in  advance. 

The  club  is  managed  by  a  president,  vice  president,  secretary  and 
treasurer  and  five  trustees.  Monthly  meetings  are  held  by  the  officers, 
at  which  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  management  of  the  club  are  sub- 
mitted and  disposed  of.  The  detail  management  is  carried  out  through 
several  committees,  as:    House  Committee,  Athletic  Committee,  Educa- 


128 


BISTORT  OP  M<  EENEY  COUNTY 


tional,  Entertainment  and  Membership  Committees,  all  reporting  to 
business  meetings  each  month,  for  council  and  advice,  as  well  as  giving 
suggestions  for  the  betterment  of  the  club.  The  membership  age  limit 
is  eighteen  years  and  over.  .Men  are  admitted  only,  however,  the  ladies 
use  the  Ealland  Gym  one  nighl  each  week.  The  Boy  Srouts  also  are 
given  a  place  one  night  each  week,  at  a  nominal  fee.  This  club  has  no 
connection,  whatever,  with  any  religious  sect  or  creed,  and  holds  no 
religious  services  in  their  hall.  The  members  rather  seek  to  demonstrate 
the  true  spirit  of  Christianity  and  democracy,  in  a  practical,  everyday 
way.  It  certainly  has  tilled  a  common  community  need  in  the  place, 
and  is  growing  stronger  each  month.  Members  of  this  club  work  in  per- 
fect harmony  with  the  various  women's  clubs,  public  school  management 
and  other  societies  of  the  city  of  Marengo.  "  WE"  is  the  big  word  with 
this  club.  No  cliques  or  anything  of  the  kind,  or  politics  is  allowed  to 
obtain  within  the  club. 

It  has  come  to  make  the  place  a  better,  safer,  pleasanter  one  in  which 
to  live  and  labor  for  the  higher  uplift  of  the  general  community. 

KEMIXISCENCES  ACCOUNT  OF   ilAKEXGO 


The  subjoined  is  a  sketch  made  up  from  recollections  of  that  sturdy 
pioneer,  Calvin  Spencer,  who  dictated  these  "early-day  notes"  to  his 
daughter  who  wrote  them  down  at  the  time  he  gave  them,  hence  may 
be  relied  upon  as  authentic  history  : 

The  first  settler  in  what  is  now  known  as  Marengo  was  Calvin  Spencer 
who  arrived  here  with  his  ox-teams  November  17,  1835.  The  previous 
year  he  had  Keen  here  and  cut  logs  for  a  cabin,  also  cut  and  put  up  stacks 
of  hay  with  a  scythe.  The  scythe  needing  grinding  he  walked  about 
eighteen  miles  further  west  to  Big  Thunder  Mills  on  the  trail  to  Galena. 
Mr.  Spencer  recalled  seeing  the  body  of  Big  Thunder  sitting  upright, 
facing  the  east  in  a  pen  built  by  the  Indians  to  keep  the  animals  away. 
It  so  remained  there  until  the  skull  dropped  off. 

.Mr.  Si>encer  built  on  present  site  of  the  Gault  Building,  where  he 
conducted  a  public  house  or  tavern  as  then  called.  A  large  part  of  land 
was  included  in  what  is  now  the  city  of  Marengo.  The  first  post  office 
was  kept  by  Alfred  King,  who  kept  the  office  one  mile  west  of  the 
Spencer  tavern.  The  post  office  was  called  Pleasant  Grove,  but  finding 
another  post  office  by  that  name,  it  was  changed  to  Marengo,  so  named  by 
Thomas  Thome.  The  first  store  was  by  Moody  Bailey,  on  the  site  of 
the  present  Ellison  garage.     Fink  &  Walker  Stage  line  covered  the  road 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  429 

to  Galena  up  to  the  building  of  the  railroad  in  1851.  It  was  the  Galena 
&  Chicago  Union  Railroad.  Miss  Spencer,  daughter  of  Calvin  Spencer, 
now  has  a  way-bill  dated  Chicago,  March  11,  1852,  for  lumber  shipped 
to  her  father  and  which  was  used  in  enlarging  her  present  house,  which 
he  had  erected  iu  1844.  This  building  stands  some  three  blocks  east  of 
the  central  corners,  on  the  road  to  Chicago. 

The  first  justice  of  the  peace  was  Moses  Spencer,  father  of  Calvin, 
who  died  in  1SC1  in  his  eighty-first  year. 

The  first  marriage  was  that  of  William  Sponsable  and  Raehael  Chat- 
field,  both  of  whom  were  life-long  residents  of  Marengo. 

The  first  sermon  was  preached  at  the  Calvin  Spencer  home  in  1836, 
by  Elder  Southworth,  an  itinerant,  the  text  being:  "And  he  sat  down 
and  talked  to  the  people." 

The  first  medical  doctor  of  Marengo  was  Dr.  Burley  Mason. 

The  first  birth  was  Dr.  Mason's  son  William,  who  died  an  infant. 

The  first  school  was  taught  in  the  summer  of  1837  by  Caroline  Cobb, 
who  became  the  wife  of  Spencer  Flanders  and  she  spent  her  life  near 
Franklinville.  The  school  in  the  fall  of  1838  was  taught  by  0.  P.  Rogers, 
who  died  only  a  few  years  ago.  For  many  years  he  was  a  partner  of 
L.  Woodward  in  the  nursery  business. 

The  first  newspaper  at  Marengo  was  the  Marengo  Journal  in  1856, 
owned  by  EdwTard  Burnside.  The  issues  for  the  first  few  years  ending  in 
1861  are  now  in  possession  of  Miss  Spencer  in  a  bound  volume. 

The  first  water-mill  was  the  Kishwaukee  mill — it  being  on  that 
stream ;  it  was  conducted  by  Smith  Bros. 

The  first  cemetery  was  a  part  of  the  present  one  which  was  later 
enlarged  to  the  north  side  of  the  railroad.  The  first  body  buried  there 
in  the  new  part  being  George  House,  who  died  June,  1861. 

The  first  Sunday  school  was  conducted  in  the  present  Spencer 
residence. 

Botsford  &  Howe  operated  the  first  steam-mill.  Early  merchants  were 
Mr.  Vawter,  Kasson  &  Saft'ord,  Mr.  Hyde  and  others. 

Mr.  Spencer  was  born  in  Cayuga  County,  N.  Y.,  October  6,  1807, 
and  died  April  17,  1898.  He  was  the  son  of  Moses  and  Esther  (Albee) 
Spencer.  Calvin  Spencer  arrived  at  Marengo,  with  ox  teams  November 
17,  1835.  His  parents  also  came  west  about  that  date,  but  the  mother 
Mas  taken  ill  en  route  and  died  the  tenth  of  that  month  before  reaching 
their  destination.  His  brother-in-law  Joseph  Brayton,  and  wife,  and  a 
couple  of  young  men  came  at  the  same  time.     The  fear  of  Indians  so 


430  HISTORY  OP  McIIENRY  COUNTY 

worked  on  the  mind  of  Mrs.  Brayton  that  tliey  could  not  be  induced 
to  remain  in  the  country  and  they  went  back  to  La  Porte,  hid. 

Air.  Spencer  was  always  an  active  man  till  well  passed  eighty  years 
and  retained  his  mentality  and  physical  vigor  up  to  near  his  death. 
His  wife  was  born  in   1810  and  died  in  1875. 

Politically,  he  was  identified  with  the  Republican  party.  Originally 
he  voted  with  the  Whig  party,  and  cast  his  first  vote  in  1828  against 
Andrew  Jackson.  He  never  missed  an  election.  He  heard  the  great 
debate  between  Lincoln  and  Douglas  in  Chicago,  in  1856.  In  church 
affiliations  he  was  of  the  Baptist  denomination. 

Of  the  seven  children  of  Air.  and  Mrs.  Spencer,  the  survivors  are : 
Orson,  of  Washington  County,  111.,  and  Alary,  widow  of  John  Lambden, 
who  was  born  February  25,  1841,  in  the  old  tavern  at  Marengo,  still 
lives  at  the  old  homestead ;  and  Edna  Sophronia,  born  in  the  present 
Spencer  house,  May  27,  1849.  She  is  known  as  a  great  lover  of  home 
and  a  zealous  worker  in  the  Baptist  Church,  and  a  liberal  contributor 
to  benevolent  causes. 

FIFTY    YEARS    AM)    MOKE    AMONG    THE    BEES 

"As  busy  as  a  bee"  certainly  applies  to  Dr.  C.  C.  Miller,  the  vener- 
able gentleman  of  Marengo,  who  is  now  eighty-six  years  of  age,  and 
who  has  had  to  do  with  honey  bees  and  flowers  for  almost  three  score 
years  and  has  been  associate  editor  of  the  well-known  publication  the 
"American  Bee  Journal"  for  many  years.  Doctor  Aliller  was  among 
the  pioneer  physicians  of  Marengo  and  vicinity,  but  about  Civil  war 
days  abandoned  his  medical  practice,  and  since  then  has  been  an  active 
student  and  busy  worker  among  the  honey-bee  hives,  and  occupied  in 
imparting  his  knowledge  by  tongue  and  pen  concerning  the  keeping  of 
bees  and  the  best  methods  of  producing  honey.  His  is  no  small,  stinted 
knowledge  of  that  most  ingenious  and  wonderful  of  God's  creatures, 
the  honey  bee.  To  be  brief,  in  the  introduction  of  this  talented  and 
universally  respected  veteran  of  the  bee  and  honey  industry,  we  will 
simply  quote  a  short  biography  of  him  found  a  few  years  since  in  the 
biographical  dictionary  of  notable  persons  in  the  United  States,  "  Who's 
Who  in  America." 

Aliller,  Charles  O,  apiarist,  writer;  born  in  Ligonier,  Pennsylvania, 
June  10,  1831,  son  of  Johnson  J.  and  Phoebe  Aliller;  A.  B.,  Union  Col- 
lege, Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  1853 ;  M.  D.,  Medical  Department  University 
of  Michigan,  1856 ;  married  Miss  Helen  M.  White  of  Marengo,  Illinois, 


/HSHr1l( 


(M^OC- 


<-v 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  431 

August  12,  1857  (died  1880)  ;  married  Miss  Sidney  J.  Wilson  of  Marengo, 
Illinois,  November  15,  1881.  Began  keeping  bees  at  Marengo,  1861; 
and  at  one  time  four  hundred  colonies  of  bees,  now  fourteen,  and  pro- 
duced many  tons  of  honey;  extensive  writer  for  bee  and  agricultural 
journals;  department  editor  of  Gleanings  in  Bee  Culture,  1890;  associate 
editor  American  Bee  Journal,  1894 ;  Prohibitionist,  Presbyterian,  Mem- 
ber National  Bee  Keepers  Union  (twice  president).  Member  Beta 
Kappa.  Author:  "A  Book  by  P.  Benson,"  1874;  "A  Year  Among 
Bees,"  1886,  "Forty  Years  Among  the  Bees,"  1902;  "Fifty  Years 
Among  the  Bees,"  1911.  Editor  "Apiary  Terms"  in  Standard 
Dictionary ;  home,  Marengo,  McHenry  County,  Illinois. 

His  chosen  profession,  medical  doctor,  was  too  trying  on  his  sensitive 
nature;  it  worried  and  chafed  him,  and  for  this  reason  he  was  content 
in  withdrawing  from  that  profession  for  which  he  had  well  fitted  him- 
self, and  for  a  time  he  was  a  musical  instructor  in  the  old  "Marengo 
Collegiate  Institute"  whose  existence  is  now  but  a  faint  memory  among 
the  older  members  of  McHenry  County  society.  He  has  knowingly  re- 
marked in  recent  years  that  his  "chair"  there  netted  him  $50  and  some 
old  lumber. 

For  a  time  Doctor  Miller  taught  school  and  gave  piano  lessons  and 
conducted  singing  school.  He  is  full  of  music  and  at  one  time  was  a 
regular  contributor  of  both  words  and  music  to  the  famous  "Song 
Messenger."  He  was  the  efficient  chorister  in  the  Moody  Church  of 
Chicago  and  even  in  his  old  age  still  may  be  classed  among  the  "sweet 
singers." 

His  great  achievements  have  been  in  that  of  an  expert  apiarist. 
At  one  time  he  had  400  colonies  of  bees  and  a  careful  estimate  places 
the  amount  of  honey  he  caused  to  be  produced  by  these  bees  to  be  in 
round  numbers  100  tons. 

His  writings  on  the  honey  bee,  its  habits,  customs,  and  value  have 
found  their  way  into  the  Country  Gentleman,  Youth's  Companion, 
Gleanings  In  Bee  Culture,  and  every  book  of  importance  on  bees  in 
this  country,  and  he  has  drawn  from  his  knowledge  of  bees  in  his 
productions.  He' was  editor  of  the  department  on  bees  in  the  Standard 
Dictionary,  and  his  writings  have  been  translated  into  the  French, 
German,  Swiss,  Italian,  Russian  and  Japanese  publications.  Doctor 
Miller  is  known  far  and  wide,  and  by  the  bee  publications  in  Texas,  he 
is  styled  the  ' '  Sage  of  Marengo. ' ' 

Doctor  Miller  is  a  religious  man,  and  has  been  a  ruling  elder  in  the 
Presbyterian    Church  of   Marengo   since    1857.      Through    his   religion, 


432  HISTORY  OF  II,  IIKXRY  COUNTY 

lie  si'.'s  (lie  hand  of  the  Creator  in  Nature.  The  sunshine,  wind,  rain, 
ihf  grass  and  the  flowers  all  appeal  to  Ins  religious  nature  and  in  these 
elements  he  recognizes  sublime  beauty,  liven  the  modest  daisj  is  qoI 
too  insignificant  to  be  noticed,  examined  and  talked  about.  So  well 
is  he  acquainted  with  flowers  thai  he  was  elected  secretary  of  the 
Northern  Illinois  Horticultural  Society,  and  still  later  was  its  presi- 
dent. Be  is  truly  a  many-sided  man.  Whether  one  views  him  from 
i he  standpoint  of  scholarship,  science,  art,  composition,  Christian  manly 
virtues,  a  home-lover  and  home-maker,  or  as  the  plain,  everyday,  hard- 
working enthusiast  over  bees  and  the  production  of  the  extract  of  all 
sweetness --"honey  ami  the  honey-comb, "  it  matters  not,  he  stands  out 
ill  the  open,  high  above  and  far  removed,  from  but  few.  if  any,  in  the 
various  roles  in  life,  in  which  he  has  been  so  conspicuous  a  figure  for 
more  than  a  half  century  in  one  place.  Mc  Henry  County,  111. 


CHAPTER  XXXV 
McHENRY  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — EARLY       SETTLERS — PIONEER       EVENTS — CEMETERIES — INDIAN 

F0RD VILLAGE  OF  MC  HENRY — FACTORIES BUSINESS  FACTORS  IN  1885 

INCORPORATION — PUBLIC    IMPROVEMENTS POST   OFFICF — HOTELS WEST 

MC  HENRY — JOHNSBURG — RINGWOOD — SPECIAL     FEATURES — POPULATION 
— TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

MeHenry  Township  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Richmond  and 
Burton  Townships ;  on  the  east  by  Lake  County ;  on  the  south  by  Nunda 
Township :  and  on  the  west  by  Greenwood  Township,  and  it  is  congres- 
sional township  45,  range  8.  The  Fox  River  traverses  it  from  north 
to  south,  and  it  contains  halt'  of  Pistaqua  Lake,  which  is  in  the  north- 
eastern part;  one-half  of  Lilly  Lake,  which  is  in  the  southeastern  part; 
and  McCollum  's  Lake,  which  is  near  the  center  of  the  township ;  while 
two  branches  of  Boone  Creek  which  is  the  main  stream  of  the  Nipper- 
sink,  as  well  as  many  smaller  water  courses  supply  ample  water  and 
drainage.  It  is  one  of  the  most  fertile  and  productive  townships  of  Me- 
Henry County,  which  has  long  had  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the 
leading  agricultural  sections  of  the  state.  MeHenry  County  is  one  of  the 
oldest  settled  townships  in  the  county,  and  in  it  the  county  seat  was 
located  not  only  before  Lake  County  was  separated  from  MeHenry,  but 
for  some  time  thereafter,  as  is  given  in  another  chapter. 

EARLY    SETTLERS 

The  first  settler  of  MeHenry  Township  was  Dr.  Christy  G.  Wheeler, 
who  came  here  in  1836,  and  opened  a  small  store.  He  was  a  brother 
of  Elder  Wheeler,  who  lived  to  attain  the  distinction  of  being  the  oldest 
living  pioneer  of  MeHenry  Township.  Dr.  Wheeler  was  a  medical  prac- 
titioner and  also  a  local  preacher,  and  alternated  between  his  mercan- 
tile pursuits  and  his  two   professions.     His  health   was  very   frail,   he 

433 


4:!4  HISTORY  OF  McHEXRY  COUNTY 

in  fact  having  come  to  Illinois  in  the  hope  that  the  change  would  prove 
beneficial,  but  he  did  not  improve,  and  at  Length  died  only  a  few  years 
after  his  settlement  here.  Some  of  the  other  pioneers  were  as  follows : 
Henry  and  John  McLean;  Louis  and  John  Boone,  William  and  David 
McCuUum,  Wesley  Ladd.  Samuel  Walker,  Allen  and  Freeman  Harvey, 
B.  B.  Brown,  Jonathan  and  Mike  Sutton.  Rev.  Joel  Wheeler,  William  II. 
llankins.  and  his  aunt  Mr*.  Valentine  and  her  son,  and  also  a  man  by 
the  name  of  Teabout.  The  Harkins  party  came  to  McHenry  Township 
in  September,  1837,  having  made  the  journey  in  an  emigrant  wagon, 
which  they  used  as  a  shelter  until  their  cabin  was  erected.  In  December, 
1837,  Young  Valentine  fell  from  a  tree  and  was  instantly  killed.  Mr. 
Teabout  lost  his  life  while  hunting  not  long  thereafter  through  the 
accidental  discharge  of  his  gun. 


PIONEER   EVENTS 

Rev.  Joel  Wheeler  performed  the  first  marriage  ceremony  in  McHenry 
Township  in  November,  1839,  when  he  united  Joseph  Fellows  and  Christ- 
iana Robinault,  that  is  recorded.  The  first  child  born  in  the  township 
was  Christy  Wheeler. 

The  first  death  was  that  of  William  Herrick.  He  was  crossing  the 
Fox  River  on  the  ice,  his  horse  broke  through,  and  in  some  way  his 
rifle  was  accidentally  discharged,  causing  his  death.  His  body  was 
interred  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  there  remained  for  many  years. 
but  in  the  early  eighties,  when  a  cellar  was  being  dug  on  the  site  of  hi* 
grave,  his  remains  were  disinterred  and  laid  to  a  final  rest  in  the  Mr- 
Henry  Cemetery. 

CEMETERIES 

The  ''silent  cities"  of  the  township,  the  cemeteries,  are  numerous. 

At  first  the  dead  were  buried  near  the  old  mill-dam,  one  mile  to 
the  north  of  the  village  of  McHenry,  but  as  other  cemeteries  were 
opened  up,  the  bodies  were  removed  from  it  and  placed  where  the  grave* 
would  receive  better  attention.  Among  the  township's  burying  grounds 
are  these:  Thompson's  Burying  Ground,  the  Ringwood  Cemetery;  one 
located  just  west  of  Ringwood ;  and  others  both  public,  and  church- 
burying  grounds.  The  Catholics  have  a  large  cemetery  near  their  church 
at  Johnsburg:  the  Woodland  Cemeterv  is  at   McHenry  village.     This 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  435 

last  named  was  laid  out  in  1S58,  and  is  a  Protestant  cemetery,  while  the 
Catholics  have  another  one  located  near  the  village  of  McHenry  also. 

INDIAN  FORD 

At  the  point  on  the  Fox  River  where  the  city  of  McHenry  now 
stands,  in  the  days  long  before  the  white  man  set  his  foot  on  McHenry 
County  soil,  the  Indians  built  a  ford  of  broad,  flat,  square-cut  stones 
of  sandstone,  which  were  regularly  laid  and  secured  by  other  stones 
in  such  manner  that  the  swift  current  of  the  stream  would  not  dislodge 
them.  The  pioneer  white  men  removed  these  stones  and  used  them  for 
hearth-stones,  and  some  of  them  are  still  to  be  found.  It  has  never  been 
ascertained  the  source  from  which  the  Indians  obtained  these  stones, 
as  no  similar  formation  has  been  found  anywhere  in  this  locality. 

THE   VILLAGE    OF    MC  HENRY 

The  Village  of  McHenry  is  distinguished  as  having  been  the  county 
seat  for  so  many  years,  and  also  as  being  the  first  town  that  was  organ- 
ized in  McHenry  County.  It  was  laid  out  by  a  Chicago  surveyor,  named 
Bradley,  in  1837,  through  the  efforts  of  Henry  McLean,  and  the  latter 
built  the  first  house  in  the  place,  a  log  one,  12x16,  near  the  site  of  what 
later  was  known  as  the  Riverside  House.  For  several  months  after 
this  little  building  was  erected  it  served  as  a  gathering  place  for  the 
settlers  and  a  wayside  tavern.  Dr.  Christy  Wheeler  opened  and  con- 
ducted the  first  store.  The  first  wagonmaker  was  Richard  Bishop,  who 
opened  his  shop  in  1840.  Nathan  Haight  was  the  first  blacksmith.  The 
first  saw-mill  was  built  in  1837  by  a  man  named  Barnum,  who  later 
sold  it  to  H.  0.  Owen  and  James  Salisbury  who  completed  the  work 
of  construction,  John  MeOmber  doing  the  actual  work.  Mr.  McOmber 
afterwards  built  himself  a  house  from  the  first  lumber  sawed  by  this 
mill.  Not  long  after  this  mill  was  completed,  James  Salisbury  went 
below  to  correct  some  error  with  reference  to  its  action,  and  not  having 
notified  the  millman,  he  had  scarcely  placed  himself  in  the  machinery, 
than  the  gate  was  hoisted,  the  mill  put  in  motion,  and  Mr.  Salisbury 
was  crushed  and  killed  almost  instantly.  He  was  buried  by  Rev.  Joel 
Wheeler  in  the  first  cemetery  by  the  mill  dam. 

In  1851  E.  M.  Owen  and  his  brothers  H.  A.  and  0.  W.  Owen,  built 
a  grist-mill  at  McHenry  that  was  for  a  long  time  the  best  in  the  county. 
They  ran  it  in  partnership  until  1858,  when  E.  M.  Owen  bought  the 


436 


HISTORY  OF  McIIKXRY  COUNTY 


interests  of  his  brothers,  and  sold  it  to  R.  Bishop  for  $20,000.00.  Mr. 
Bishop  immediately  added  the  roller  process  at  a  cost  of  $10,000.00)  and 
for  a  Dumber  of  years  tins  mill  was  one  of  the  leading  industries  of  Mc- 
Henry. 

The  old  mill  site  is  pointed  out  by  the  old  settler  as  one  of  the  impor- 
tant land-marks  of  by-gone  days.  The  race  that  conveys  the  water  to 
the  mill  is  still  overflowing  and  the  water  wastes  itself  away  from  day  to 
day,  hut  its  utility  seems  forever  gone  for  milling  purposes.  In  fact 
there  are  but  few  of  the  early  mills  in  use  anywhere,  on  account  of  the 
milling  center  for  Hour  making  has  long  since  changed  and  it  is  conducted 
on  a  different  plan,  perhaps  a  better  plan,  at  least  the  farmer  sells  his 
wheat  and  buys  his  supply  of  flour  now! 

FACTORIES 


There  was  a  day  when  McHenry  bid  fair  to  become  a  place  of  much 
manufacturing  interest,  in  fact  it  is  related  that  the  village  had  an 
opportunity  during  the  early  sixties  to  secure  what  is  now  known  the 
world  over,  as  the  Elgin  Watch  Factory,  but  business  men  did  not  pull 
together  in  harmony,  and  they  let  the  prize  slip  away  to  Elgin,  which 
made  concessions  and  some  sacrifices,  in  order  to  build  up  that  great 
plant  when  its  stock  holders  most  needed  aid. 

In  the  early  eighties  a  pickle  factory  was  established  at  McHenry. 
It  was  founded  by  that  well-remembered  pioneer  and  excellent  citizen, 
Richard  Bishop,  who  for  many  years  operated  this  factory  with  profit  to 
himself  and  the  surrounding  country,  but  in  time  this  business  shifted 
to  large  city  centers,  Pittsburg,  Cincinnati,  Chicago,  etc.,  and  the  small 
town  plants  were  put  out  of  commission.  However  at  this  time  there 
are  hundreds  of  acres  of  land  in  and  around  McHenry,  Richmond, 
Spring  Grove  and  other  eastern  McHenry  County  points  which  pro- 
duce cucumbers  which  are  placed  in  salting  plants  near  where  they 
are  grown  and  later  in  the  season,  are  shipped  to  Chicago,  where  they 
are  made  into  pickles.     It  has  come  to  be  a  large  industry. 

In  1868  George  Gribbler  built  a  brewery  at  McHenry.  He  com- 
menced in  a  small  way  but  eventually  possessed  a  large  paying  plant 
where  lager  beer  was  produced  in  great  quantities.  It  had  a  large  local 
and  a  fairly  large  shipping  sale. 

One  of  McHenry's  earliest  industries  was  the  wagon  factory  of  Rich- 
ard Bishop,  whose  well  equipped  plant  was  totally  destroyed  by  fire 
in    1878,   but    was    rebuilt    upon   a   much    larger   scale,   with    improved 


HISTORY  OF  McHBNRY  COUNTY  437 

machinery  for  turning  out  farm  and  light  wagons.  But  this,  too,  like 
other  small  town  factory  interests,  had  to  succumb  to  the  inevitable  and 
in  time  gave  way  to  the  great  wagon  factories  in  the  country,  with 
which  small  places  were  unable  to  compete,  hence  had  to  close  down. 

BUSINESS  FACTORS  IN   1885 

By  reference  to  old  publications,  paper  files,  etc.,  it  is  learned  that  the 
following  constituted  the  majority  of  business  men,  firms  and  professions 
in  McHenry  from  1880  to  1885: 

Richard  Hishop,  E.  M.  Owen  &  Son,  Amos  D.  Whiting,  Francis  A. 
Herbard,  Isaac  Wentworth,  Charles  B.  Curtiss,  Gottlieb  Boley,  Nord- 
quist  &  Weber,  Barbeau  Brothers,  L.  D.  Lincoln,  John  B.  Blake,  Henry 
Madden,  William  M.  Yager,  E.  M.  Howe,  Mathias  Englen,  0.  W.  Owen, 
J.  P.  Smith,  II.  E.  Wrightman,  Perry  &  Owen,  Mayers  &  Bartlett,  Edwin 
Lawless,  Henry  Colby,  Dr.  II.  T.  Brown,  Dr.  0.  II.  Fegers,  I.  E.  Bennett, 
John  Karges,  E.  G.  Smith,  George  Dimmel,  Anton  Engelen,  J.  J.  Gillis, 
John  Heimer  and  Thomas  Knox.  Many  of  the  above  named  business 
factors  had  been  residents  of  McHenry  prior  to  and  during  the  Civil 
war  period,  and  bore  well  their  part  in  sustaining  the  Union  at  that 
time. 

INCORPORATION 

It  was  incorporated  August  10,  1872,  with  the  following  officers: 
Richard  Bishop,  president ;  J.  P.  Perry,  J.  M.  McComber,  II.  C.  Smith, 
John  King,  and  Frank  K.  Granger,  trustees;  and  Michel  Keller,  clerk. 

The  subjoined  have  served  as  presidents  of  McHenry  village  from 
date  of  its  incorporation:  1872 — R.  Bishop,  1873— J.  B.  Perry,  1874— 
C.  B.  Curtis,  R.  Bishop,  F.  K.  Granger,  R.  Bishop.  Smith  Searles. 
R.  Bishop,  Anthony  Webber,  Rollin  Howard,  R,  Bishop,  B.  Gilbert,  F.  K. 
Granger,  Rollin  Howard,  J.  Van  Slyke,  Simon  Stoffel,  J.  Van  Slyke, 
(1891),  (No  record  for  several  years),  1897— John  I.  Story,  1898— W.  A. 
Christy,  John  Evanson,  P.  J.  Freund,  F.  J.  Wattles,  John  H.  Miller, 
Simon  Stoffel,  D.  J.  Wells,  R.  G.  Chamberlain,  John  Olson,  and  Simon 
Stoffel. 

PRESENT    OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  present  officials  of  the  village  of  McHenry  : 
president,  Simon  Stoffel ;  clerk,  W.  G.  Schram ;  treasurer,  J.  C.  Holly ; 


438  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

magistrate,  John  W.  Kimball;  marshal,  John  Walsh;  attorney,  A.  H. 
Pouse;  trustees,  Peter  Doherty,  Louis  Erickson,  John  R.  Knox,  Albert 
Erause,  R.  I.  Oaten  and  Frank  Wetten. 


PUBLIC  IMPROVEM  ENTS 

The  village  voted  to  issue  bonds  and  construct  a  system  of  water 
works  in  August,  1897,  and  this  was  carried  out,  and  today  the  village 
has  a  fine  system  of  waterworks,  including  a  deep  artesian  well  from 
which  is  ever  flowing  a  large  stream  of  health-giving  water.  The  wrater 
is  pumped  to  a  ninety-foot  steel  water  tower  which  has  a  large  holding 
capacity  as  reserve  in  case  of  fire  or  other  emergencies.  The  water  is  dis- 
tributed through  the  scattered  village,  and  most  all  neighborhoods  will 
soon  have  water  in  front  of  their  very  door. 

At  the  pumping  station,  a  combined  water  plant  building  with  its 
gasoline  pump  and  other  fixtures,  are  housed  within  one  building 
together  with  the  "City  Hall,"  as  the  briek  structure,  near  the  center 
of  the  village  is  known.  Here  the  council  meets,  and  here,  in  a  large 
lin   proof  safe,  is  kept  a  good  set  of  public  municipal  records. 

An  ordinance  was  passed  the  village  board  March  9,  1908,  by  which 
a  Chicago  electric  company  was  granted  a  franchise  to  distribute  electric- 
ity throughout  the  village  for  a  term  of  twenty  years.  This  was  carried 
out,  and  thus  it  was  that  McHenry  was  soon  illuminated  by  the  brightest 
of  modern  lights. 

POST    OFFICE 

McHenry  has  two  post  offices.  One  at  the  old  original  village  and 
another  near  the  depot,  in  what  is  styled  West  McHenry,  about  one 
mile  apart.  The  original  McHenry  post  office  was  established  in  1837, 
with  Christy  Wheeler  as  postmaster.  When  West  McHenry  sprang 
into  existence,  at  the  time  the  railroad  was  built,  there  was  soon  a  bitter 
rivalry  between  the  two  town  sites  and  indeed  the  spirit  has  not  alto- 
gether died  out,  however  generally  speaking  peace  obtains  between  the 
two  sections.  It  was  during  one  of  these  hard-fought  rivalry  battles  that 
by  some  "hook  or  crook"  the  office  was  moved  from  the  old  to  the  newer 
part  of  town.  So,  for  more  than  a  year,  the  people  at  the  old  village 
had  no  postoffiee,  but  through  Congressman  Elwood,  a  man  came  from 
the  department  at  Washington,  and  looked  the  field  over  and  as  a  result 
a  new  post  office  was  established,  since  which  date,  1883,  the  two  parts 


I 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  439 

of  McHenry  have  each  had  a  post  office,  one  mile  apart.  Certainly  Uncle 
Sam  is  a  peace  maker!  The  postmasters  names  for  the  earliest  years 
are  not  a  matter  of  record,  save  in  the  Department  at  Washington, 
hence  only  those  of  a  later  period  can  be  given.  At  the  original  Mc- 
Henry they  have  been  in  the  order  given:  J.  B.  Perry,  Captain  Snow, 
Rollin  Waite,  J.  C.  Holly,  T.  J.  Walsh,  who  was  commissioned  in  1915. 
This  is  a  third  class  postoffice ;  has  three  rural  routes  cared  for  as  fol- 
lows: No.  1  by  carrier  II.  H.  Pay;  No.  2,  D.  I.  Granger;  No.  3,  Joe  N. 
Miller.  The  U.  S.  leases  the  brick  building  in  which  this  postoffice  has 
been  kept  several  years. 

The  West  McHenry  post  office  has  had  for  its  postmasters:  C.  V. 
Stevens,  J.  W.  Kimball,  Simon  Stoffel,  H.  C.  Mead,  E.  E.  Bassett,  who 
was  commissioned  in  1914.  This  is  a  third-class  post  office  and  sends 
forth  one  rural  delivery  or  mail  on  a  twenty-nine  mile  route,  the  carrier 
being  James  N.  Sayler. 

"West  McHenry"  is  the  direct  result  of  the  building  of  the  Chicago 
&  Northwestern  railroad  through  this  section.  The  place  was  laid 
out  by  George  Gage  and  it  was  largely  through  his  influence  that  West 
McHenry  was  made  a  station  on  the  road.  At  first  the  village  was  called 
"Gatetown,"  but  soon  took  the  name  of  West  McHenry.  Some  of  the 
second  lot  of  business  men  at  this  point  were :  William  Hanley,  Oatmau 
&  Sons,  Amos  D.  Whiting,  Smith  &  Snyder,  Curtis  &  Walker,  W.  A. 
Cristy  and  W.  H.  Wiswell. 

EARLY    HOTELS 

The  first  hotel  in  the  township  was  built  in  1837,  by  B.  B.  Brown, 
at  McHenry.  It  was  a  rude,  although  very  comfortable  log  house,  and 
served  as  a  hotel  more  than  twenty  years.  The  second  hotel  was  the 
Mansion  House,  at  McHenry,  built  by  Horace  Long,  and  used  for  the  old 
courthouse  until  the  county  seat  was  removed  to  Woodstock.  It  was 
built  in  1838,  was  a  frame  structure  40x60  feet,  and  two  stories  in  height. 
Early  in  the  eighties  it  went  out  of  commission  as  a  hotel. 

The  Fremont  House  was  erected  in  1851,  but  was  burned  about 
seven  years  later. 

The  old  Riverside  Hotel  was  built  in  1864  by  John  W.  and  David 
Smith.  This  was  counted  a  fine  structure  in  those  days.  It  was  built 
of  brick  and  was  three  stories  high,  with  dimensions  40x60  feet.  It 
served  its  day  and  generation  and  passed  out  of  use. 

The  Parker  Hotel  of  West  McHenry  was  built  in  1858  by  George 


440  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Gage,  and  tor  a  time  bore  the  owner's  name.  Its  first  landlord  was  Mr. 
Van  Doo/.cn,  who  Opened  it  New  Year's  Day  with  a  grand  ball.  He 
was  succeeded  by  William  Murray,  and  lie  in  turn  by  a  -Mr.  Holme-. 
Later,  eanie  Landlord  Edson,  who  after  two  years  was  followed  by  W. 
Parker  and  L.  D.  Lincoln.  On  August  4.  1881,  P.  A.  Parker,  son  of  W. 
Parker,  took  charge  of  the  hotel,  hut,  in  bss-}.  resigned  in  favor  of  his 
father. 

The  principal  commercial  hotel  of  the  village  is  now  known  as  the 

Park  Hotel,  ; Id  building,  but  the  hotel  is  conducted  on  modern  plans, 

as  far  as  possible  in  so  small  a  place  where  the  customers  stop  but  for  an 
occasional  meal,  and  possibly  over  night. 

.       JOHXSBIRG 

This  is  a  small  hamlet  situated  on  the  northeast  corner  of  section  13. 
<>f  McHenry  Township,  three  miles  southeast  of  Ringwood,  a  station  on 
the  railroad  in  this  township;  and  it  is  also  about  two  miles  northeast 
from  McHenry  village.  This  hamlet  was  settled  by  the  Germans  in  1852, 
and  was  named  in  honor  of  their  leader,  for  the  settlement  was  really 
a  colony.  His  Christian  name  being  John  the  place  was  called  Johns- 
burg.  It  has  ever  been  known  almost  exclusively  as  a  German  settlement. 
St.  John's  Roman  Catholic  Church  was  established  here  by  Father  Port- 
man  in  184."),  when  the  membership  consisted  of  but  three  families,  but 
today  it  is  among  the  largest  churches  of  any  denomination  within  Me- 
llenry  County.  About  1880  a  $45,000  stone  edifice  was  constructed  here, 
and  then  its  membership  i  1880  to  1885)  was  275  families.  The  present 
business  interests  are  not  large,  this  hamlet  being  away  from  any  rail- 
way, and  the  greater  number  of  the  people  trade  at  larger  places  in  and 
out  of  this  county.  A  large  parochial  school  is  conducted  here,  by  the 
Catholics. 

There  are  doubtless  many  of  the  present  day  citizens  of  Johnsburg 
who  are  >ons  and  daughters  of  pioneers  whose  names  here  follow,  and  who 
were  in  the  early  vanguard  and  among  the  settlers,  later  thrifty  Germans 
who  claimed  as  their  heritage  this  portion  of  McHenry  County,  in  the 
fifties  and  sixties.  Henry  Hatterman.  Martin  May,  Charles  Mathew. 
Peter  Rothermel,  John  Weber,  Peter  Werfs,  Charles  E.  Buchanan,  Theo- 
dore Mayer,  Charles  Kuhnert,  Ley  &  Adams,  Simon  Nichols,  Mathias 
Hohlman,  Henry  Miller,  .Mathew  Heimer,  Frank  Miller,  William  Akt- 
hoff,  Joseph  Palmer,  Steffen  Thelen,  Peter  Adams,  Martin  Boughner. 
L.  N.  Preund,  John  Molitur  and  John  Thelen,  were  the  most  prominent. 


HISTORY  OF  MeHENRY  COUNTY  441 

KINGWOOD 

This  village  is  a  station  on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  railroad,  in 
sections  9  and  10  of  Me  Henry  Township.  It  was  settled  in  1837  by  Dr. 
Luke  Hale  and  William  II.  Beach.  Doctor  Hale  was  a  physician  en- 
gaged in  active  practice  at  Ringwood  for  many  years.  Both  of  these 
men  came  from  Vermont,  bringing  their  families  with  them.  The  vil- 
lage was  platted  and  recorded  in  1844.  Owing  to  the  fact  that  the 
entire  plat  was  surrounded  by  a  ring  of  woods,  the  appropriate  name 
"Ringwood"  was  given  to  it  by  its  proprietors.  Elder  Wheeler  held 
the  first  religious  services  in  what  is  now  McHenry  Township,  in  a  log 
house  erected  by  H.  W.  McLean. 

The  first  school  was  taught  in  this  township  in  a  log  building  which 
stood  on  the  banks  of  Fox  River. 

SPECIAL  FEATURES 

Every  Township  has  its  own  peculiar  features,  distinct  from  all 
others.  Here  in  McHenry  Township  it  may  be  said  of  its  special 
characteristics  that  it  is  the  oldest  organized  settlement  of  the  county  ; 
it  was  the  home  of  the  original  county  seat  when  Lake  and  Mc- 
Henry were  all  in  one  large  sub-division  of  Illinois.  The  old  land-marks 
which  to  the  older  generations  presented  hourly  reminders  of  an  honor 
this  division  of  the  county  once  possessed,  hut  today  these  reminders 
are  mostly  gone  and  the  story  is  handed  down  from  father  to  son. 
But  this  township  and  her  beautiful  villages  and  hamlets  may  well 
boast  of  the  progress  they  have  made  with  the  passing  years. 

POPULATION 

McHenry  Township  had  a  population  in  1890  of  2,555 ;  in  1900,  2,673 ; 
in  1910,  2,679:  and  in  1920,  2,825. 

TOWNSHIP   OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  serving  as  the  township  officials  of  McHenry  Town- 
ship :  Supervisor,  Stephen  II.  Freund ;  assessor,  John  W.  Kimball ;  clerk, 
Charles  B.  Harmsen  ;  highway  commissioner,  William  B.  Tonyan  ;  justices 
of  the  peace,  W.  J.  Welch  and  E.  ( '.  Hawley ;  constables,  W.  H.  Kelley 
and  John  Walsh. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI 
NUNDA  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES ORIGIN    OF    NAME — EARLY    SETTLERS — PIONEER     EVENTS OLD 

VILLAGE    OP    NUNDA — BARREVILLE — TERRA    COTTA — POPULATION — TOWN- 
SHIP OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Nunda  Township  comprises  congressional  township  44.  range  8  and 
one  third  of  range  9.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  McHenry  Township  ; 
on  the  east  by  Lake  County ;  on  the  south  by  Algonquin  Township  ;  on  the 
west  by  Door  Township.  This  subdivision  of  McHenry  County  is  among 
the  finest  agricultural  sections  of  the  northern  portion  of  Illinois.  Dairy- 
ing is  now  the  chief  industry  of  the  farms.  The  Fox  River  courses 
through  the  township.  As  originally  known  Lilly  and  Clear  Lakes  were 
in  the  center  of  its  territory,  but  these  lakes  are  gradually  disappearing. 
Ilanley's  Creek  crosses  the  northern  portion,  and  Stiekney's  Run,  with 
lesser  streams  make  Nunda  one  of  the  best  watered  in  MeHenrv  County. 


ORIGIN   OF  NAME 

For  a  short  period  after  Nunda  Township  was  settled,  it  was  known 
as  Brooklyn,  it  being  so  named  by  "William  and  C.  Goff.  But  when  a 
post  office  was  petitioned  for,  it  was  discovered  that  another  Brooklyn 
was  already  in  existence  in  Illinois.  A  public  meeting  was  called,  and 
the  name  was  changed  to  Nunda  in  honor  of  the  birthplace  of  Col. 
William  Huffman,  a  leading  man  in  the  community,  who  was  born  in 
Nunda,  N.  Y. 

EARLY  SETTLERS 

The  first  white  man  to  invade  the  confines  of  what  is  now  Nunda 
Township  was  George  Stickney,  who  came  in  December,  1835,  locating 
on  section  6,  where  he  erected  the  first  house  in  the  township.  This 

442 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  443 

primitive  cabin  contained  no  iron  of  any  description,  wooden  pegs 
being  used  instead  of  nails.  Benjamin  McOmber,  who  arrived  a  short 
time  after  Mr.  Stickney,  lived  in  his  log  house.  Samuel  Terwilliger, 
came  in  June,  1836  and  was  the  third  settler.  Cameron  Goff  was  the 
fourth,  and  he  arrived  in  October,  1837. 

Prior  to  1840  these  made  Nunda  their  permanent  settlement :  George 
T.  Beckley,  Abram  Vincent,  De  Witt  Brady,  Joseph  Walkup,  Charles 
Patterson  and  his  four  sons,  William  Huffman  and  his  four  sons,  Win.  St. 
Clair,  Fred  Bryant,  J.  Gracy,  G.  A.  Palmer,  John  Fitzsimmons,  J.  E. 
Beckley,  A.  Colby,  D.  Ellsworth  and  W.  Musgrave. 

PIONEER  EVENTS 

The  first  plowing  in  this  township  was  executed  by  Samuel  Ter- 
williger. 

John  Terwilliger,  son  of  Samuel  Terwilliger  and  wife,  was  the  first 
white  child  born  in  Nunda  Township.  He  lived  on  the  same  farm  on 
which  he  was  born,  until  he  passed  from  earth  in  1876. 

An  infant  son  of  the  Terwilligers  was  the  first  child  to  die  in  the 
township.  His  remains  were  laid  away  in  the  Holcombville  burying 
ground. 

In  1845  James  and  Samuel  McMillen  erected  a  saw-mill  on  section 
22,  which  was  the  first  in  the  township.  After  1863,  at  considerable 
expense  it  was  fitted  over  into  a  grist-mill  and  as  such  used  many  years. 
A  carding-mill  was  constructed  there  in  1846,  bj-  Mr.  Truesdell,  but  two 
years  later  it  was  abandoned  as  it  would  not  pay.  The  first  real  grist-mill 
was  built  at  Barryville  by  T.  J.  Ferguson,  at  a  cost  of  $6,000;  this  was 
used  many  years.  McHenry  Count}'  paid  the  large  sum  of  $15  for  every 
wolf  scalp  which  was  taken  within  the  limits  of  the  county.  This 
custom  obtained  until  1850.  It  is  related  that  certain  hunters  of  Nunda 
Township  distinguished  themselves  by  capturing  cubs  and  caring  for 
them  until  they  were  six  months  old,  at  which  time  they  killed  and 
scalped  them,  and  then  claimed  the  bounty. 

OLD  VILLAGE  OP  NUNDA 

What  is  now  within  the  incorporation  of  the  city  of  Crystal  Lake, 
but  was  originally  known  as  the  village  of  Nunda,  was  platted  in  August, 
1868.  It  was  situated  on  section  32,  township  44,  range  8.  A  man  named 
Reed  conducted  a  general  store  there  as  early  as  1855.    The  first  depot 


444  HISTORY  OK  MdlKXRY  COUNTY 

for  the  railroad  at  tliis  point  (Chicago  &  Northwestern  system  now)  was 
shipped  out  from  Chicago  on  flat  cars.  That  was  in  1856.  It  was  set 
down  carefully,  just  where  the  old  Fox  River  Valley  crossed  the  "North- 
western.-" Then,  Xunda  the  village  had  not  even  been  thought  of.  This 
station  house  was  for  the  accommodation  of  the  workmen,  and  being  fear- 
ful of  the  high  winds,  it  was  staked  down  to  the  right-of-way.  Finally 
Nunda  sprung  up  and  flourished  under  that  name  many  years,  and  was 
finally  incorporated  as  a  village,  but  with  the  several  Crystal  Lake  corpo- 
rations it  was  decided  at  an  election  not  long  since  that  Nunda  should 
be  merged  with  the  Crystal  Lake  villages,  and  so  it  is  today. 

barrevii.i.i: 

This  was  the  name  given  to  a  eolleetion  of  houses  or  hamlet  in  this 
township.  Thomas  Combs  built  a  store  there,  and  about  it  grew  the  small 
place.  A  mill  was  built  in  1857  and  carried  on  successfully  by  its 
proprietor,  Mr.  Ferguson,  until  his  death  in  1865.  Patterson  Bros, 
owned  the  mill  later,  and  still  later  it  was  owned  by  Messrs.  McCord  and 
J.  F.  Thompson.  It  was  finally  owned  by  Louis  Munch,  who  in  1884 
remodeled  it  and  made  "'patent  flour"  there. 

Iu  the  spring  of  1881,  a  butter  and  cheese  factory  was  built  at  Barre- 
ville  by  E.  F.  Matthews  at  a  cost  of  $3,000. 

In  1854  a  post  office  was  established  on  Silver  Lake  Prairie,  and  the 
first  postmaster  was  Russell  Stanton.  About  1864  the  offiee  was  moved 
to  Barreville,  with  Fred  Bryant  as  postmaster. 

The  early  business  and  professional  men  of  Nunda  included  the  fol- 
lowing: Crystal  Lake  Pickling  and  Canning  Co.,  G.  H.  Clayson,  Nunda 
Flour  Mills,  Gilbert  &  St.  Clair,  E.  Beckley,  J.  Goodwin.  Philip  Roberts. 
J.  A.  Sheldon,  Piatt  &  Pinney,  C.  II.  Stone,  Smith  Bros.,  Dr.  George 
Horn,  G.  E.  Dickinson,  M.  M.  Hulburt,  W.  T.  Hamilton,  Ilartman  & 
Barnes.  Edgar  Beckley  &  Son,  A.  M.  Clark,  D.  W.  Wattlers,  P.  W. 
Stark,  0.  C.  Colby,  J.  X.  Powell,  P.  A.  England,  D.  Williams,  J.  F. 
Whefiton  &  Son.,  Dr.  E.  Ballou,  Dr.  C.  C.  Watson,  and  Robert  Rowley. 

The  history  of  the  village  corporation  is  included  in  that  of  Crystal 
Lake  and  will  be  found  in  the  township  history  of  Algonquin.  Of  the 
post  offiee,  it  may  be  stated  in  this  connection  that  one  was  established 
at  Nunda  Center  about  three  miles  north  of  the  village,  and  James  Mc- 
Millen  was  the  postmaster.  The  office  was  moved  to  the  village  in  1855, 
and  called  Dearborn,  but  the  name  was  later  changed  to  Nunda. 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  445 

TERRA  COTTA 

Terra  Cotta,  a  station  (in  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad,  located 
on  section  21  of  Nunda  Township,  is  home  of  the  third  largest  terra 
cotta  plant  in  the  United  States.  This  plant  is  the  principal  interest  of 
the  settlement,  employment  here  being  given  to  an  average  of  300  people. 
An  account  of  this  industry  and  the  American  Terra  Cotta  and  Ceramic 
Company,  is  given  in  the  chapter  on  Railroads  and  Industrial  Enter- 
prises. 

POPULATION 

In  1890  Nunda  Township  had  a  population  of  1,805 ;  in  1900  it  was 
1,965,  in  1910  it  was  at  2,110,  including  parts  of  Crystal  Lake  and  North 
Crystal  Lake  corporations,  and  in  1920  it  was  2,321. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Nunda  Township :  Super- 
visor, A.  H.  Hale;  assessor,  George  L.  Bryant;  clerk,  H.  A.  Rowley; 
highway  commissioner,  John  Pierson :  justice  of  the  peace,  P.  F.  Hunt ; 
constable,  George  J.  Chlert. 


CHAPTER  XXXVII 
RICHMOND  TOWNSHIP 


BOUNDARIES — FIRST   SETTLERS — PIONEER   EVENTS — VILLAGE   OF    RICHMOXI 

POST      OFFICE — PUBLIC      IMPROVEMENTS MUNICIPAL      HISTORY SOLON 

MILLS — ORIGIN     OF     SWEET     BY     AND     BY — POPULATION TOWNSHIP     OF- 
FICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Richmond  Township  in  the  northeastern  part  of  McHenry  County, 
is  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  State  of  Wisconsin  ;  on  the  east  by  Burton 
Township ;  on  the  south  by  McHenry  Township ;  and  on  the  west  by 
Hebron  Township.  It  is  a  well-watered  township,  its  streams  being  the 
North  and  South  Branches  whose  waters  find  their  way  into  the  Fox 
river.  Twin  Lakes  have  a  small  outlet  which  flows  into  the  Nippersink. 
The  surface  of  this  portion  of  McHenry  County  is  nearly  level  and  is 
well  adapted  to  general  agriculture.  Where  needed,  there  has  been  con- 
siderable tile  drain  put  into  the  land  and  this  is  annually  being  carried 
on. 

FIRST   SETTLERS 

To  Hon.  William  A.  McConnell  belongs  the  distinction  of  having 
been  the  first  pioneer  to  invade  the  prairie  wilds  of  this  township.  He 
located  here  in  1837  and  built  a  log  cabin  16x18  feet.  Following  him 
came  Charles  A.  Noyes,  John  Purdy,  Todd  Francis,  Daniel  Newcombe, 
William  and  Alexander  Gardner,  Stephen  Pardee  and  R.  R.  Crosby,  the 
majority  of  whom  arrived  in  1838. 

PIONEER    EVENTS 

The  first  white  person  to  die  in  this  township  was  Francis  Purdy. 
who  passed  away  in  August,  1839,  and  was  buried  in  the  Richmond  Cem- 
etery. One  week  later,  Hannah  Thomas  passed  from  earth.  She  was 
the  daughter  of  Briggs  and  Amy  Thomas. 

446 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  447 

The  first  white  child  born  in  the  township  was  Sarah,  daughter  of 
John  and  Pamelia  Purdy ;  the  date  of  her  birth  was  July  4,  1839. 

The  earliest  marriage  of  parties  living  within  this  township  was  that 
of  Andrew  Kennedy  and  Laura  "Warner,  in  1844. 

Alexander  and  David  Williams  commenced  erecting  a  sawmill  in  1838, 
on  the  Nippersink  Creek.  Later  this  mill  became  the  property  of  Henry 
and  John  W.  White.  The  last  two  mentioned  built  a  gristmill  at  Solon  in 
1840,  the  first  of  its  kind  in  the  county. 

The  oldest  burying  ground  in  this  township  is  the  one  at  the  village 
of  Richmond.  Another  cemetery  was  established  at  Solon  very  soon  after 
the  one  at  Richmond.  Another  in  the  White  schoolhouse  district,  was 
among  the  first  to  be  in  general  use. 

VILLAGE  OF  RICHMOND 

Richmond  was  platted  in  1844  by  Charles  Cotting  and  Theodore 
Purdy.  It  is  situated  on  sections  9  and  16,  and  is  on  the  banks  of  Nip- 
persink Creek.  The  same  year  that  the  village  was  platted,  Messrs.  Cot- 
ting  and  Purdy  built  a  gristmill,  and  at  its  frame  raising  (a  great 
event  those  days)  the  offer  was  made  by  its  owners  that  whoever  climbed 
to  the  top  of  the  building  could  have  the  naming  of  the  new  village. 
Isaac  M.  Reed  reached  the  top  of  the  building  and  named  the  place 
Richmond,  after  a  favorite  town  of  his  in  Vermont.  At  first  this  township 
was  named  Montelona,  but  later  it  took  that  of  Richmond. 

Charles  Noyes  erected  the  first  house  in  the  village  of  Richmond. 
This  was  built  of  logs  and  was  20x24  feet  in  size.  Ralph  Andrews  was 
the  pioneer  wagonmaker,  and  David  C.  Andrews  was  the  first  black- 
smith;  the  first  lawyer  was  ( '.  K.  Young  and  the  pioneer  physician  was 
Dr.  Hessett. 

Of  a  somewhat  later  date,  the  business  and  professional  factors  in 
Richmond  were  as  follows:  F.  W.  Mead,  George  Alfs,  Robert  Johnnott, 
H.  Chevillin,  A.  P.  Gray,  Dr.  I.  B.  Rice,  A.  R.  Alexander,  Downing  & 
Dennison,  John  West,  C.  E.  Culver,  H.  F.  Boutell,  Milan  Hicks,  C.  F. 
Paxton,  Aldrich  &  Burton,  C.  F.  Hall  &  Co.,  D.  A.  Potter,  Smith  &  Hay- 
thorn,  John  Billings,  Cropper  &  Co.  With  the  many  changes  in  the 
passing  of  multiplied  years  down  to  the  present,  the  village  has  never 
ceased  to  progress  with  other  parts  of  the  county. 

A  fine  modern  public  school  building  was  erected  in  1910.  It  is  a 
two-story  and  basement  structure.  It  has  six  main  rooms  and  there  are 
seven  teachers.    Its  first  session  was  held,  commencing  January  1,  1911. 


Us  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

This  bunding  was  built  at  the  cost  of  $25,000,  but  it  is  stated  that  $40,000 
would  not  build  such  a  structure  today. 

POST  OFFICE 

The  post  office  here  is  a  third-class  one  and  has  two  rural  free  delivery 
routes  connected  with  it — No.  1  in  charge  of  Clyde  Wilson;  No.  2  in 
charge  of  F.  G.  Motley.  These  routes  are  about  twenty-nine  miles  in 
length.  The  postmasters,  since  the  establishment  of  the  office,  have  been  : 
William  McGonnell,  appointed  1838,  who  was  succeeded  by  William 
Adams,  D.  Bennett,  Luther  Emmons,  Dr.  Stone,  Allen  Potter,  J.  V. 
Aldrich,  D.  A.  Potter,  Marcus  Foot,  J.  V.  Aldrich.  J.  T.  Bower,  J.  V. 
Aldrich  and  W.  P.  Stevens,  who  was  commissioned  in  1914. 

PUBLIC   IMPROVEMENTS 

The  village  erected  a  large  town  hall  for  general  public  purposes  in 
1900  at  a  cost  of  $15,000,  and  it  is  known  as  '"Memorial  Hall."  It  was 
named  for  Charles  DeWitt  McConnell  who  donated  $10,000  toward  its 
building. 

MUNICIPAL  HISTORY 

Richmond  is  an  incorporated  village  and  has  been  so  ever  since  1872, 
when  its  first  officials  were  elected  as  follows:  Dr.  F.  S.  Bennett,  presi- 
dent; A.  R.  Alexander,  clerk;  J.  V.  Aldrich,  treasurer;  D.  A.  Potter, 
magistrate ;  Alanson  Brown,  constable ;  and  Dr.  S.  F.  Bennett,  John 
Haythorn,  George  Purdy,  William  Purdy,  John  Halian  and  J.  R.  Hyde, 
trustees. 

The  presidents  and  clerks  for  the  village  from  1884  (no  record  prior 
to  that  date)  have  been  as  follows: 

Presidents  G.  W.  Eldridge 1898-01 

,,.  ,       1W  1So,      E.  C.  Covell 1902-19 

Richard  Wray 1884 

J.  W.  Haythorn   1885-86 

Daniel  Dennison 1887 

L.  W.  Howe 1888-89  F.  W.  Mead  .  . .  1884 

P.  K.  Wright 1890  Charles  S.  Green 1885-86 

F.  E.  Holmes 1891  E.  R.  Bennett 1887 

•I.  T.  Bower 1892-1900  William  Sherman 1888 

George  McConnel 1894-98  L.  W.  Nichols 1889-90 


Clerks 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  449 

Clerks— Continued  F.  B.  McConnell 1902-07 

G.  E.  Eldridge 1891  R.  G.  Scott 1908-15 

John  Holian 1892-97  R.  F.  Parsons 1917 

II.  J.  Kimball 1894-96  J.  T.  Bower 1918-19 

II.  W.  Aldrich 1898-16  E.  C.  Covell 

PRESENT  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  village  officials  of  Richmond :  president,  E.  C. 
Covell;  clerk,  J.  T.  Bower;  treasurer,  J.  N.  Burton;  magistrate,  J.  F. 
Brown;  marshal,  W.  H.  Reed;  trustees,  J.  B.  Richardson,  Fred  Arp, 
\Y.  A.  McConnell,  F.  H.  Bell,  Robert  Walkington. 

SOLON    MILLS 

Solon  Mills  was  among  the  first  settled  communities  in  this  county. 
1 1  is  situated  on  section  26  and  27.  A  flour  mill  was  built  there  at  a 
very  early  date,  but  the  property  became  entangled  in  endless  litigation 
and  was  of  little  value  to  the  community.  The  old  mill  still  stands  a 
monument  to  legal  folly  and  poor  business  judgment.  The  property 
and  twenty  acres  of  land  on  which  it  stands  are  now  held  bj'  Chicago 
parties.  It  is  on  the  bank  of  Nippersink  Creek.  With  the  failure  of 
the  milling  interests,  and  the  springing  up  of  other  villages  near  by, 
Solon  has  never  taken  on  much  commercial  importance,  but  has  a  few 
business  interests.  It  is  in  a  splendid  farm  and  stock  country.  Lands 
are  selling  for  high  prices  and  the  demand  for  substantial  commodities 
is  steady. 

ORIGIN  OF  ' '  IN  THE  SWEET  BY-AND-BY ' ' 

To  but  very  tew  who  have  heard  since  childhood's  happiest  hour  that 
now  immortal  song,  "In  the  Sweet  By-and-By,"  is  it  known  that  this 
popular  song  was  composed  and  set  to  music  in  Richmond,  but  such  is 
the  fact.  Dr.  S.  E.  Bennett,  for  so  many  years  one  of  Richmond's  fore- 
most citizens,  is  the  author.  He  located  here  in  1859  at  the  age  of 
twenty-three  years,  taking  charge  of  the  public  schools  as  principal, 
and  held  that  position  for  two  years,  then  going  to  Elkhorn,  but 
returned  in  1871  and  again  took  charge  of  the  school  work  for  one  year. 
He  then  attended  Rush  Medical  College,  Chicago,  from  which  he  was 
graduated  in  1874,  when  he  began  the  practice  of  medicine,  continuing 
it  for  more  than  twenty-five  years  or  until  his  death  in  1898.     During 


450  HISTORY  OF  McHEXRY  COUNTY 

his  residence  in  Richmond  he  became  associated  with  J.  P.  Webster,  a 
musical  composer.  They  were  associated  together  for  several  years,  dur- 
ing which  time  they  published  a  number  of  hymns,  the  leading  one  being 
that  immortal  one,  "In  the  Sweet  By  and  By,"  now  translated  in 
all  languages  of  the  civilized  world. 

1 1  appears  from  writings  of  Mr.  Richards,  in  his  Woodstock  Reminis- 
cences, that  "Doctor  Bennett  and  Professor  Webster,  a  musician,  were 
in  a  corner  store  at  Richmond  and  that  .something  was  said  in  desponding 
mood.  Someone  said,  'Oh,  that  will  be  all  right  in  the  sweet  by  and  by,' 
whereat  Doctor  Bennett  turned  to  his  desk  and  in  a  few  minutes  handed 
the  poem  to  Professor  Webster,  saying  'how  will  that  do?'  Professor 
Webster  took  his  violin  and  in  a  little  time  composed  the  music.  It  was 
then  sung  and  approved  by  those  present,  and  given  to  the  world." 

POPULATION 

Richmond  Township  had  a  population  in  1890  of  1,212;  in  1900, 
1.49S;  in  1910  its  population  was  1,472;  and  in  1920,  1,448. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Richmond  Township: 
supervisor,  P.  B.  McConnell ;  assessor,  John  Collison ;  clerk,  J.  T.  Bower : 
highway  commissioner.  Henry  Yogel ;  justice  of  the  peace,  William  H. 
Rotnour;  constables,  John  Collison  and  W.  H.  Reed. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII 
RILEY  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES    AND    TOPOGRAPHY — EARLY    SETTLERS PIONEER    EVENTS — CEM- 
ETERIES  SOUTH    RILEY POPULATION TOWNSHIP    OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES    AND    TOPOGRAPHY 

Riley  Township  is  the  southwestern  subdivision  of  the  county,  and 
comprises  congressional  township  43,  range  5.  It  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Marengo  Township ;  on  the  east  by  Coral  Township ;  on  the 
south  by  Kane  County,  and  on  the  west  by  Boone  County.  Coon  Creek, 
with  two  of  its  tributaries,  furnishes  the  water  courses  for  the  territory 
within  the  township.  The  streams  are  small  and  not  as  numerous  as  in 
other  parts  of  the  county,  but  the  township  is  among  the  best  agricultural 
sections.  It  is  almost  exclusively  prairie  land  and  even  as  long  ago  as 
fifty  years,  the  farms  were  spoken  of  as  being  among  the  best  in  Northern 
Illinois. 

EARLY  SETTLERS 

This  township  was  first  settled  by  T.  W.  Cobb,  Roswell  Bates,  N.  E. 
Barnes,  Jenkins  Underwood  and  Osborn  Underwood.  These  persons 
came  in  between  1836  and  1843.  Whitman  Cobb  arrived  here  in  1836, 
and  possibly  several  more  of  the  men  just  named  were  pioneers  of  the 
same  year.  Cobb  continued  a  resident  of  the  township  until  1874,  when 
he  moved  to  Warren,  111.  Three  years  later,  however,  he  returned  to 
Riley  Township,  and  died  here  soon  afterwards.  Samuel  Smith  came 
in  1837,  and  Russell  Baily  in  1838.  All  of  these  men  made  permanent 
homes  within  the  township. 

PIONEER  EVENTS 

The  first  white  child  born  within  this  township  was  Ezra  0.  Knapp, 
a  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Knapp. 

The  first  death  was  that  of  Samuel  Smith  in  1837. 

451 


452  HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY 

Spencer  Flanders  and  Caroline  Cobb  were  united  in  marriage  by 
Ward  Burley,  a  justice  of  the  peace,  August  19,  1841,  this  being  the 
firsl  wedding  in  the  township. 

Dr.  Alberl  E.  Smith  was  the  township's  first  physician.  He  settled 
here  in  1837,  remained  several  years,  and  was  followed  by  Dr.  John 
Wentworth,  who  was  in  active  practice  until  his  death. 

It  was  said  of  this  township  in  1*77:  "Having  plenty  of  facilities  in 
adjoining  townships,  they  have  erected  no  church  buildings  within  its 
limits.  The  population  for  many  years  was  about  evenly  divided  between 
the  Congregationalists  and  the  Methodists.  Meetings  were  frequently 
held  in  nearby  schoolhouses. " 

From  the  start,  this  township  has  been  alive  to  the  value  of  a  good 
common  school  system  and  has  improved  every  opportunity  given  it 
along  this  line. 

The  township  was  among,  if  not  the  very  first  in  the  county  to  pro- 
vide itself  with  a  good  town  hall,  centrally  located,  where  it  held  its 
elections  and  transacted  all  business,  while  other  townships  put  up  with 
the  schoolhouse  that  happened  to  be  situated  nearest  by  for  all  such 
affairs. 

It  had  a  cheese  factory  in  the  early  seventies.  It  also  was  early 
among  the  townships  of  the  county  to  set  out  fruit  trees  and  reaped  the 
reward  of  such  action  by  later  harvesting  large  crops  of  luscious  apples 
and  cherries. 

CEMETERIES 

The  earliest  cemetery  was  laid  out  at  a  very  early  date,  nearly  in 
the  center  of  the  township. 

Another  small  burying  ground  was  laid  out  close  to  the  Kane  County 
line. 

SOUTH   RILEY 

What  was  known  as  South  Riley  post  office  was  established  very  early 
in  the  southwest  quarter  of  section  27.  A  store  and  blacksmith  shop 
were  maintained  there  for  a  time.  With  the  coming  of  the  free  rural 
mail  delivery  system  the  post  office  was  discontinued,  since  which  time 
the  people  of  the  township  have  traded  at  Marengo  or  other  nearby 
points. 

POPULATIi  i.N 

Iii  1890  Riley  Township  had  a  population  of  830:  in  1900,  915;  in 
1910,  822;  and  in  1920.  717. 


V         £? 


aH^7/ 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  453 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Riley  Township:  super- 
visor, H.  H.  Barber;  assessor,  C.  Macke\-;  clerk,  Cleo  Anthony;  highway 
commissioner,  H.  H.  Dunbar;  justices  of  the  peace,  Roy  Griebel  and 
R.  W.  Metealf ;  constables,  A.  Stockwell  and  Frank  Griebel. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX 
SENECA  TOWNSHIP 

BOUNDARIES — ORIGIN    OF    NAME — FIRST    SETTLERS — PIONEER    EVENTS — CEM- 
ETERIES— SCHOOLS       AND       CHURCHES — FRANKLINVILLE POPULATH  >.\" — 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS. 

BOUNDARIES 

Seneca  Township  is  one  of  the  central  subdivisions  of  the  county, 
being  composed  of  all  of  congressional  township  44,  range  6,  and  is 
bounded  on  the  north  by  Hartland  Township;  on  the  east  by  Dorr  Town- 
ship: on  the  south  by  Coral  Township,  and  on  the  west  by  Marengo 
Township.  As  an  agricultural  section  it  has  no  superior  in  all  this  part 
of  Illinois.  The  fertile,  gentle  rolling  land  has  been  put  in  a  high  state 
of  cultivation.  Originally,  this  township  was  heavily  timbered  on  the 
west  side  of  its  domain,  and  nearly  all  of  the  houses  of  the  early  times 
were  built  of  excellent  varieties  of  solid  oak  cut  from  the  nearby  forests. 

ORIGIN  OF  NAME 

Seneca  was  the  name  of  a  powerful  Indian  tribe  in  western  New 
York,  from  which  many  of  the  first  settlers  to  this  township  came,  hence 
they  named  the  township  to  which  they  moved  after  that  Indian  tribe 
of  the  far  away  Empire  State. 

FIRST  SETTLERS 

It  is  stated  on  good  authority  that  the  first  white  man  to  invade  what 
is  now  known  as  Seneca  Township  was  E.  Pettitt,  who  came  in  1835. 
His  selection  of  land  was  subsequently  known  as  the  Sponsable  farm. 
John  Belder  also  arrived  that  year  from  La  Porte,  Ind.,  and  he  lived 
here  for  many  years.  Jedediah  Rogers,  a  Vermont  Yankee,  was  another 
settler  of  1835.  In  1836  Russell  Diggins  moved  from  St.  Lawrence 
County,  X.  Y.,  to  Seneca  Township,  and  his  wife  died  soon  after  their 
arrival  in  this  township.     Her  death  was  the  first  known   within  the 

454 


HISTORY  OF  McHENRY  COUNTY  455 

township.  A  claim  was  taken  up  by  a  Mr.  Woodard  in  1836,  but  he  left 
it  before  the  Civil  War  period.  Another  permanent  settler  was  Robert 
G.  White,  who  came  in  1836  and  remained  until  his  death  in  1871.  It 
was  he  who  built  the  first  saw-mill  in  the  township.  Eli  Craig  came  in 
1836,  and  in  1838  was  elected  a  constable.  During  the  latter  year  came 
to  the  township  as  settlers  the  following:  Amos  Damon,  Captain  Silas 
Chatfield,  Joseph  Hanna,  Solomon  Baldwin,  Christopher  Sponsable, 
Whitman  Cobb  and  Ephriam  Rogers.  The  next  season  the  arrivals  to 
the  township  were:  M.  Dickenson,  John  Ackerson,  Peter  Deitz,  Clark 
Wix  and  Spencer  Flanders.  In  1840  the  permanent  settlers  were: 
Leander  Bishop,  John  White,  William  Sponsable  and  Salem  Stowell. 
Another  account  given  of  the  township's  settlement  says  that  the  first 
band  of  settlers  included  Jasper  Havens,  Levi  Morsey  and  Joseph  Hanna, 
all  of  whom  came  from  Virginia  in  1835-36.  A  Mr.  Albro  was  the  first 
settler  at  Franklinville,  coming  there  in  the  autumn  of  1836. 

PIONEER  EVENTS 

A  Mr.  White  and  his  family  came  into  the  township  in  about  1836, 
settling  in  section  29,  where  soon  after  White  &  Son  put  up  a  saw-mill 
at  the  junction  of  the  Middle  and  North  branches  of  the  Kishwaukee. 
A  little  later  George  Smith  &  Co.  erected  a  flour-mill  on  the  same  stream 
on  section  30,  and  this  was  doing  a  good  business  late  in  the  eighties. 
The  township  had  another  saw-mill,  built  by  Anderson  &  Graves  in  1844. 
From  quite  an  early  day  the  principal  business  of  the  township  was  its 
dairy  industry.  A  cheese  factory  was  erected  at  Franklinville  in  1868. 
Later  this  was  bought  by  Doctor  Stone  and  moved  to  a  site  not  far 
distant,  and  was  there  used  as  a  feed  store.  Still  later  it  w-as  converted 
into  a  feed-mill  and  butter  and  cheese  factory.  The  next  year  Mr. 
Bigelow  put  up  a  second  factory  on  his  farm  a  mile  to  the  west  of  the 
village  of  Franklinville.  Subsequently  this  was  sold  to  I.  Boies  of 
Marengo. 

In  literary  affairs  Seneca  Township,  from  a  very  early  time,  has  been 
second  to  none  in  the  county.  A  literary  society  was  organized  and  met 
semi-monthly,  its  object  being  largely  to  procure  good  books  as  cheaply 
as  possible.  When  the  books  had  been  well  read  by  the  community  they 
were  auctioned  off  and  more  new»ones  provided. 

As  to  the  market  prices  in  this  township  between  1836  and  1850,  let 
it  be  stated  for  a  fact  that  those  who  dealt  at  Franklinville  (known  a 
long  time  as  "Snarltown")   sold  their  eggs  at  five  cents  a  dozen  and 


456 


HISTORY  OF  MtHKNRY  COUNTY 


their  butter  al  ten  cents  a  pound,  in  trade.  Corn  brought  a  shilling  a 
bushel,  in  barter. 

In  putting  down  the  rebellion  in  the  Civil  War,  Seneca  took  an 
active  part,  one  family  named  Penman,  within  the  limits  of  the  township, 

sending  every  member,  to  wit:  father,  mother,  four  sons,  daughter  and 
son-in-law.  And  what  is  still  more  wonderful,  every  member  of  that 
household  returned  in  safety. 

Perhaps  the  crowning  glory  of  the  township  took  place  on  Fourth  of 
July,  1876,  Centennial  Year,  at  which  time  Mayor  Donnelly,  having 
offered  a  flag  to  the  township  bringing  the  biggest  delegation  to  the 
Woodstock  celebration,  Seneca  brought  in  nearly  eight  hundred  people, 
and  carried  away  the  coveted  prize. 

CEMETERIES 

The  first  burial  place  was  between  Woodstock  and  Franklinville. 

Franklinville  Cemetery  was  laid  out  in  1839  by  the  common  consent 
of  the  pioneer  settlers,  but  especially  by  the  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.    Mrs.  Lazarus  was  the  first  to  be  buried  at  that  place. 

SCHOOLS  AND   CHURCHES 

The  first  school  in  Seneca  Township  was  taught  by  Mrs.  Stevens, 
the  wife  of  G.  B.  Stevens,  at  their  residence,  one  mile  south  of  Franklin- 
ville, in  1840.     The  first  sehoolhouse  was  erected  in  Pranklinville. 

The  earliest  religious  meetings  were  held  at  the  home  of  G.  B.  Stevens 
in  1839,  by  Rev.  Leander  Walker,  and  he  and  Rev.  Nathaniel  Jewett 
preached  alternately  every  four  weeks  at  private  residences  until  1849, 
when  the  Methodists  built  their  church  at  Franklinville. 


FRANKLINVILLE 

This  is  a  little  community  or  hamlet,  situated  in  section  22,  about 
four  miles  southwest  of  Woodstock.  It  was  first  known  as  Snarltown. 
but  the  name  was  later  changed  to  Franklinville  in  honor  of  Franklin 
Stringer,  a  spirited,  highly  enterprising  citizen  of  the  township.  The 
reason  assigned  for  the  first  and  peculiar  name  of  this  hamlet  is  said  to 
have  been  on  account  of  a  man  named  George  Albrow.  who  immigrated 
hither  from  New  York  State.  He  possessed  so  contrary  a  nature  that 
had  he  lived  in  later  days  he  probably  would  have  been  termed  a 
"grouch."  In  those  days,  his  habit  of  snarling  at  everyone  gained  for 
him  the  name    "Snarl"'  Albrow.     Hence  the  village  that  grew  up  around 


HISTORY  OF  McHBNRT  COUNTY  457 

him  was  railed  after  him,  but  fortunately  this  nomenclature  was  soon 
abandoned  in  favor  of  one  given  in  honor  of  a  much  worthier  personage. 

A  Mr.  Lockwood  opened  a  store  on  section  22,  and  began  trading  with 
the  neighboring  farmers,  and  after  one  year  he  exchanged  his  store  for 
one  owned  by  a  -Mr.  Robinson  of  Geneva,  111.  Robinson  was  in  time 
succeeded  by  Ilarley  Wayne,  who  in  1843  took  in  George  T.  Kasson  as 
a  partner.  Kasson  bought  out  Wayne  and  formed  a  partnership  with 
l'.  T.  Hyde,  and  they  opened  a  second  store.  Norman  Brebhall  was  the 
Hist  blacksmith  to  kindle  his  glowing  forge  in  the  hamlet.  In  1843, 
through  the  efforts  of  ' '  Long ' '  John  Wentworth,  then  congressman  from 
this  district,  a  post  office  was  established  at  Franklinville,  which  at  first 
was  called  Belden,  and  Sylvester  Mead  was  appointed  postmaster.  He 
was  followed  by  H.  Wayne,  and  he  by  G.  T.  Kasson.  The  office  was 
abandoned  in  1866,  and  for  six  years  there  was  no  post  office,  but  in 
1872  Carrie  Deitz  was  appointed  as  postmistress.  Franklinville  is  now 
served  by  rural  free  delivery. 

The  community  still  known  as  Franklinville  has  a  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  a  charge  out  from  Woodstock ;  a  store  and  blacksmith 
shop.  In  its  early  days  it  had  high  hopes  of  becoming  the  seat  of  justice 
and  ranking  among  the  best  places  of  the  county,  but  time  changes  the 
best  laid  plans  of  men. 

The  Seneca  Ladies'  Literary  Society  of  this  hamlet  was  organized  in 
1855,  and  has  been  in  continuous  service  ever  since.  The  first  work 
undertaken  was  to  help  raise  funds  at  a  charge  of  five  cents  each  two 
weeks,  for  the  Mount  Vernon  Association.  It  early  established  a  library 
and  exerted  an  influence  for  good  in  various  ways.  It  has  now  adopted 
and  is  supporting  a  French  orphan.  Mrs.  Martha  Rose,  now  of  Marengo, 
was  an  early  librarian  there  and  is  still  an  honorary  member  on  its  rolls. 

POPULATION 

In  1890  Seneca  Township  had  a  population  of  1,046,  including  a 
part  of  Union  village  in  Coral  Township;  in  1900,  1,105;  in  1910,  1,023, 
and  in  1920,  940. 

TOWNSHIP  OFFICIALS 

The  following  are  the  township  officials  of  Seneca  Township:  super- 
visor, E.  F.  Kuecker ;  assessor,  R.  M.  Bean;  clerk,  Roy  Andrews;  highway 
commissioner,  Henry  A.  Russell ;  justice  of  the  peace,  Philip  Andrews ; 
constable,  James  Welch. 


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